10 Unorthodox Physical Exercises That Can Improve Physical and Mental Development

Jun 13

Unorthodox physical exercises are gaining popularity for their unique approach to improving physical and mental health. They challenge traditional exercise routines and can offer a fresh perspective on fitness. Here are 10 unorthodox physical exercises that can improve physical and mental development, along with locations in New York City where you can try them out.

Slacklining - Brooklyn Bridge Park

Slacklining is a type of balance training that involves walking across a narrow, flexible band. This activity requires a lot of core stability and can improve your balance and coordination. Brooklyn Bridge Park offers plenty of space to set up a slackline and challenge yourself to improve your balance.

Find more information here: https://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/

Animal Movements - Tompkins Square Park

Animal movements involve mimicking the movements of different animals, such as crawling like a bear or jumping like a frog. These movements can help improve your mobility, coordination, and overall fitness. Tompkins Square Park offers plenty of space to practice these movements and channel your inner animal.

Find more information here: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/tompkinssquarepark

Plyometrics - Mark Morris Dance Center

Plyometrics is a type of explosive training that involves jumping and hopping exercises. These movements can help improve your power and speed, and are often used by athletes to enhance their performance. The Mark Morris Dance Center in Brooklyn offers plyometrics classes that incorporate dance and music for a fun and engaging workout.

Find more information here: https://markmorrisdancegroup.org/dance-center/

Virtual Reality Training - Kineviz

Virtual reality training is an innovative approach to physical and mental training. Kineviz is a virtual reality training center located in Manhattan that offers a variety of VR programs for physical and mental training. This type of training can help improve your reaction time, balance, and overall fitness in a fun and engaging way.

Find more information here: https://www.kineviz.com/

Tai Chi - Central Park

Tai Chi is a martial art that involves slow, flowing movements. It can help improve your balance, flexibility, and mental focus. Central Park offers plenty of space to practice Tai Chi, and there are often free classes available in the park as well.

Find more information here: https://www.centralparknyc.org/

Hula Hooping - Brooklyn Bridge Park

Hula hooping is a fun and challenging way to improve your core strength, balance, and coordination. Brooklyn Bridge Park offers plenty of space to practice hula hooping, and there are often free classes available in the park as well.

Find more information here: https://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/

Slacklining and Acro Yoga - Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge

Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge is a climbing gym located in Long Island City that offers slacklining and Acro Yoga classes. Acro Yoga is a practice that combines acrobatics and yoga, and can help improve your strength, balance, and flexibility.

Find more information here: https://brooklynboulders.com/queensbridge/

Trampoline - Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Trampolining is a fun and unique way to incorporate cardiovascular exercise into your routine. It can help improve your coordination and balance, and can be a great way to relieve stress. Sky Zone Trampoline Park has several locations throughout New York City, and offers trampoline classes and open jump times.

Find more information here: https://www.skyzone.com/

Jump Rope - Asphalt Green Battery Park City Campus

Jumping rope is a simple and effective way to improve cardiovascular fitness, coordination, and footwork. Asphalt Green Battery Park City Campus offers jump rope classes for all ages and skill levels.

Find more information here: https://www.asphaltgreen.org/bpc

Street Workout - Tompkins Square Park

Street workout exercises involve using your own body weight for strength training, and can help improve your strength, endurance, and overall fitness. Tompkins Square Park offers plenty of space to practice street workout exercises, and there are often free classes and meetups available in the park.