5 Ways to Get Fit Without Joining a Gym

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Meghan Ottolini, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Central Rock Climbing Center

Exercise your right to a different kind of workout! Get into shape without ever setting foot on a cardio machine with these unconventional workouts offered in Central Massachusetts. Dance, climb, and bike your way to a healthier, happier you!

Glove Up and Knock Out Fat

Blow off some steam and burn major calories boxing. Celebrities like Gwen Stefani attribute their fit figures to the intense, fat-melting workout they get while hitting the bag. The Factory in Leominster offers traditional boxing classes, thai-boxing, and kickboxing. Women’s Only classes are also available. 511 Lancaster Street, Leominster, MA

Enlist in Boot Camp

Don’t be intimidated - boot camps are for all fitness levels. Worcester’s Adventure Boot Camp is a four-week outdoor program packed with fitness instruction, nutritional guidance, and motivational training. Boot camps typically consist of circuit-training to burn body fat and increase strength. Don’t be surprised if you’re doing more push-ups and squats your first morning than you have all year! If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, try the 30 Minute Boot Camp offered by X-Core Fitness, also in Worcester.

Military Crawl at Adventure Boot Camp

Adventure Boot Camp: 15 Bellingham Road, Worcester, MA
X-Core Fitness: 5 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA

Dance Up a Storm

Dance the inches off at Worcester’s Salsa Storm Dance Studio. The studio offers SalsAerobics, a cardio dance class that meets twice a week. Salsa Storm also runs belly dancing and traditional salsa course, and be sure to check their website for free salsa workshops. 9 Harrison Street, Worcester, MA

Climb to New Heights

Turn your workout into an adventure at the Central Rock Climbing Center in Worcester. Rock climbing burns calories, builds and tones muscles, and improves balance and coordination. Central Rock provides full instruction and rental equipment for beginners, but more advanced climbers can drop in for cheap daily rates. Outdoor climbing excursions are also available during summer months. 299 Barber Avenue, Worcester, MA

Go For a Spin

Spinning is a serious workout that won’t be too hard on your knees. Classes are high-cardio but low-impact, and typically you can control the difficulty level on your own bike. Auburn Yoga and Pilates Center offers classes ranging from beginner-level to advanced. All the equipment is provided, so all you need is to hop on that bike! 899 Southbridge Street, Auburn, MA