Every summer, I tell myself that I’ll use free time to start exercising.

This summer was no exception.

I even went the extra step and bought a gym membership to keep the promise to myself. I proudly stuck with it every other day for a month, but then I lost motivation and never went again.

So why is it such a hard time to commit to the gym regularly? Personally, I get bored using the same machines at the same place every day! Instead, I hunted for fun ways to exercise in Philly to get back in the swing of things for the fall.

Here are 8 fun & unique Philly exercises for beginners to experts:

Photo: Creative Commons

1. Hoop Dancing – Taught at Studio 34 in West Philly, Hoop Dancing takes the hula-hooping you did as a kid to a whole new fun level. Discover how to spin the hoop around all different parts of your body, pull off-body moves and more. Hoop Dancing strengthens your body (especially your core), improves balance and coordination, and burns a ton of calories. 4522 Baltimore Ave.

2. Skyrobics – Burn up to 1,000 calories an hour at Sky Zone with their low-impact exercise of Skyrobics. Taught on their wall-to-wall trampolines, Skyrobics is great for strength building for people of any fitness level. 122 Mill Road, Oaks, PA.

3. Cardio Barre – Looking to hone your coordination and flexibility? Ploome offers fantastic cardio barre classes, a fusion of high intensity interval training and ballet. With a wide range of class styles, you’ll find something interesting. 1040 North American Street

Photo: Creative Commons

4. Piloxing – If you’re looking for high-energy, try Piloxing. Offered at Philly Dance Fitness, Piloxing combines boxing, Pilates, and dance for a workout that’s sure to burn calories. 1170 South Broad Street.

5. Aerial Yoga – If you’ve conquered traditional yoga or desire more challenges, head on down to Kaya Aerial Yoga. Using an aerial hammock (think: soft, low hanging trapeze), students can practice traditional yoga postures without putting pressure on joints. Lengthens and strengthens your body with in-air inversions! 225 Quarry Street.

6. Splash & Burn – A step above swimming laps in the pool, Splash & Burn is a unique intermediate water aerobics class with cardio intervals and kickboard work to get your heart pumping. Sweat Fitness only requires an ability to swim! Locations all around Philly

Photo: Creative Commons

7. SUP Yoga – Step out of your comfort zone & strengthen your core with yoga on a stand up paddleboard. Don’t fret, beginners: Aqua Vida doesn’t require previous yoga experience. Summer sessions were at Spruce Street Harbor Park, check their website for Fall locations.

8. Belly Dancing – Interested in dance? Studio 1831 has a range of Belly Dancing classes, so all fitness levels are welcome! 1831 Brandywine Street.

Craving more options? Check out our list of Philly’s low cost exercise options.

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Catharine was an Editorial Intern in 2014. From growing up in Damascus, Maryland to studying Marketing and Finance at Saint Joseph’s University, she got her first taste of sustainability in Elementary School when her mother went on a recycling binge and got the family on board. She assumes she'll probably be something like that when she grows up, too. She loves her other roles as a Resident Assistant and barista at Starbucks. In her spare time, she loves to go for long runs, reading Game of Thrones, and watching Hockey. View all posts by Catharine Gaylord