Tired of doing the same workout? Do you have a monotonous routine consisting of the same exercises every day? Well, it's time to shake things up! Take advantage of free or discounted first-time classes and try out these fun ways to stay fit!

Tai Chi:

Tai Chi is an ancient form of self-defense developed by the Chinese. It has been found to help lower stress through the smooth flow of the movements and the non-competitive nature of the class. There are various styles of Tai Chi, and it is a low impact form of exercise, so anyone can do it!

Pilates:

Unlike basic Yoga or Tai Chi, Pilates is a relatively new exercise regimen, developed in the 1920s. Its original purpose was as a way to rehabilitate injuries, but it is now a mainstream workout. And the best part? It’s all about resistance and not cardio! You focus on alignment of the spine, keeping the tension in your core, and regulating your breathing.

Barre:

Barre exercise was originally the product of a German ballerina who combined the rehabilitative exercises she’d used for her injuries with ballet movements. Over the decades, with greater understanding of the human body, studios began to evolve their methods to be easier on the joints while still toning and strengthening muscles. I love Barre classes, because they are so low impact and yet so effective at improving your strength without bulking you up!

Lagree (SPX):

Lagree Fitness is certainly the youngest of all these forms of exercise, with its first studio having opened in 2001. Like Pilates, a machine is used (called the Megaformer). SPX exercises focus on static movements and subtle pulsing of an isolated muscle group, working each individual muscle to exhaustion. Basically, if you’re shaking, that’s good. SPX requires a lot of mental stamina; I almost cried during my first class, but it is well worth it to continue. Results from this whole-body workout can be seen within weeks.

Bikram Yoga:

Bikram isn’t your typical form of yoga. It is 26 poses that are meant to work every part of your body, but that are done in high levels of heat (105 degrees Fahrenheit). The idea behind this crazy temperature is that sweating helps to flush the toxins out of your body. Just don’t forget your water bottle and a hand towel. Tip: wear shorts and a sports bra; being covered up will only make you hotter!