Fitness activities such as running, cycling and swimming are popular worldwide, and activities such as Zumba and Bodycombat are fast picking up in gyms around the world.

But for those who may be struggling to stay true to a fitness programme, here are some ideas that you may be able to take… from some of the more unusual fitness trends that are being practised in other countries round the world.

1) Castell

Originating in Catalonia, Northern Spain, Castell is an unusual sport whereby people form human towers which can go as high as ten storeys with 500 people per tower. This tradition dates back to more than 200 years ago.

2) Aikido

This is a form of martial arts originating in Japan and the premise is to redirect the movement of the person attacking you, instead of fighting or opposing the person. This makes it unique compared to traditional martial arts such as Tae Kwon Do or Muay Thai.

3) POUND

Originally founded by two women in New York, the United States, POUND is an unusual type of gym-based workout that features lightweight drumsticks and the objective is to create music and sweat by banging out tunes as fast as possible. Apparently you can burn up to 90 calories per hour with this fast-paced and rhythmic workout.

4) Role Playing

This is commonly practised in the United States and Canada, and is a form of cosplaying taken to a new level, where people act out lines of stories from books or novels, literally pretending to slay evil creatures or dodge their enemies.

5) Roller Derby

An intense contact team sport on roller blades, this sport features two teams of five persons per team. One person is the “jammer” and must skate as fast as possible around the track. The other four players are the “blockers” and they have to stop the “jammer” in the other team from making progress. This activity is popular in the United States.

6) Trapeze

Coming from France, this is a sport where people fly and swing through the air, much like the popular circus act. Requiring precise timing, strength and agility, the aim of the sport is to perform tricks; the tougher the trick, the more points are awarded to the athlete.

7) Belly Dance

This Middle Eastern dance is commonplace amongst social gatherings in the area, and requires dancers to make a circular motion with an isolated area of the body in tune to the music.

Conclusion

Have you tried out any of these less mainstream fitness activities, for yourself? If so, what did you think about them and did you enjoy them?

And now that you know that such fitness activities exist, how do you feel about shaking up your own exercise and sports regime when you are feeling bored or in the dumps, to perhaps incorporate some of these?