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FeedGym Alternatives
Tired of the same workout routine? Try one of the many alternative workout choices offered all around San Diego.
DANCING
Not fond of ballet? Don’t worry, there’s no leotard necessary to groove to the beat at Metro Dance Studio. The studio offers a variety of classes to get the feet of any age group moving. Connect to your inner diva with a hop-hop class for teens and adults, throw it back to the 1920s with swing-dancing, or become a tropical wahine with Tahitian hula. Don’t miss Zumba, a fitness craze that’s so much fun you won’t even know you’re exercising. Zumba combines dance moves, resistance training and hot Latin rhythms to create the ultimate feel-good workout.
5304 Metro Street, Suite B, Linda Vista
619-299-METRO
zumba.com, metrodancesd.com
WORLDBEAT CULTURAL CENTER
Expand your mind while shrinking your waistline at the WorldBeat Cultural Center in Balboa Park. The dance classes offered all promote indigenous cultures of the world, one of the center’s main missions. Take the leap into another culture’s form of expression through classes offered in Brazilian samba, African dance, tribal dance and capoeira. Or even try Japanese taiko drumming.
2100 Park Boulevard, Balboa Park
619-230-1190
worldbeatculturalcenter.com
ROLLER DERBY
Don’t buy into all of those cheesy sports movies; Roller Derby isn’t as scary as it seems. The San Diego Rollerderby is always looking for female recruits no matter their level of experience. Anyone is welcome to come to Monday and Thursday practices at Skateworld in Linda Vista from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for $10. Other than that, all you need is the necessary equipment to get out there and skate. Skating is great exercise, and knocking people down/defending your space has to include some calorie-burning. Learn a new skill and make great new friends with other fearless women.
6907 Linda Vista Road, Linda Vista
858-560-9278
sandiegorollerderby.com
TRAPEZE HIGH
It’s unusual while exercising to say to yourself, “Don’t look down,” but that’s exactly what you’ll be thinking at Trapeze High in Escondido. Join the circus and get a great workout. Classes will teach you everything from freely swinging to hanging upside down by your knees, and that’s just the first day! A 90-minute class costs $50 — save $5 if you sign up online. Classes for beginners are held Saturday and Sunday at 10, 12, 2 and 4, and Tuesday and Thursday at 4 by appointment.
2470 Melru Lane, Escondido
760-740-2454
trapezehigh.com
DODGEBALL
Relive those childhood memories, be they good or bad, by joining an adult dodgeball league. Hang out beforehand at happy hour, then it's game on. Leagues are run out of the Pacific Beach Recreation Center or Ocean Beach Recreation Center and are open to free agents or coed teams. The season is open to ruthlessly pelt your friends with a rubber ball from November 4 to January 20, with games held every Wednesday. Or, join the San Diego Secret Squirrel Society, where it’s their mission to play dodgeball, socialize and simultaneously help save the world with constant charity involvement.
govavi.com/dodgeball
meetup.com/Secret-Squirrel-Society-Dodgeball-Group
BEYONCE
Who needs a gym membership when you have MTV? All you have to do is turn on Beyonce’s sassy hit “Single Ladies” to burn some calories and gain some serious self-confidence. Forget about your ex and get ready for the club by learning the dance moves from the video that caused Kanye to famously diss Taylor Swift at the VMAs. The dance moves are complicated, but doable, and the hours spent learning it will pay off big time when you perform it at your local club. Make it a girls’ night in and get Sasha Fierce.
link
T'AI CHI
Master your mind and body with t'ai chi, a Chinese system of meditative exercises. Build strength, relieve mental and physical stresses and improve general motor skills such as balance and coordination. Maybe one day you'll even be able to capture a fly with your fist, but for now you can expect your day to be less stressful and more focused in just 20 minutes. White Dragon Martial Arts has locations all over San Diego county and offers t'ai chi as well as kung fu, grappling and more. Take a $29 introductory course or get a free guest pass online.
888-999-8985
whitedragonmartialarts.com
FENCING
We've all wished at one point we could commandeer a vessel and begin a new life as a swashbuckling pirate, right? You can still live that dream without setting sail by learning the art of modern-day swordplay. Fencing is a noble sport that requires a high level of fitness and agility. Put yourself to the test with private or group lessons for all ages and skill levels at Cabrillo Academy of the Sword in Mission Valley.
3339 Adams Avenue
619-584-2478
cabrillosword.com
VIDEO GAMES
Do you consider yourself a gamer? Do you spend hours continually trying to beat that boss level? You'll probably love a virtual workout. New games are coming out on the market all the time that claim to promote fitness. Dance Dance Revolution will get your feet moving and your pores sweating within 15 minutes, and is beginning to be used in schools' physical education curriculums. Wii Fit for the Nintendo Wii system now offers programs in yoga, strength training, aerobics and balance games, as well as overall body fitness tests. Your Wii character will develop a svelte or hefty figure depending on your results. Skeptical? Try Wii boxing or tennis and see how your arm feels the next day.
P90X
This workout is not for the faint of heart. P90X is a relatively new exercise phenomenon. As seen on TV, the program is based on constantly shifting the type of physical work your body is doing, claiming amazing results in just 90 days. The exercise is never boring and always challenging, helping you stay committed. D.R.E.A.M. Wellness centers, located in Del Mar and Pacific Beach, are designed to meet all of your health needs, and they now offer classes in this boot camp-esque fitness system. A new body in three months? Yes, please. Classes are offered Tuesday-Thursday evenings in Pacific Beach only.
1976 Garnet Avenue
858-274-2225
dreamwellness.com
