Bored? Stuck in a rut? Need something new? Simmer down ladies; this isn’t the start of a bad personal ad. But if you are sick of the same old boring treadmill routine, the elliptical just isn’t cutting it anymore, or you have hit a plateau and need to spice up your workout regime, you might just find what you’ve been looking for here.
 
With summer travels over and kids back in school, no time is better than the present to focus on you. Sure, gyms are everywhere, but there are also plenty of alternatives if you need a change and inspiration. After all, we do live in the Washington D.C. metro area. Hop on the W&OD trail for a bike ride, hike the C&O canal, or take a weekend day trip to climb Old Rag Mountain. Take advantage of the vast sporting goods store programs and rock climb at R.E.I., or join in on a free run at your local Potomac River Running location. On a budget? Don’t forget to check out your local Parks & Recreation catalogue for economical classes including everything from tennis to water aerobics. Feeling philanthropic? Join a Team in Training team to complete a marathon or raise awareness and participate in a breast cancer walk with a group of gals. Join Mommy Bootcamp for not only a complete workout, but also a play date and adult socialization rolled into one. Take the plunge and see if you can take the heat by trying Bikram Yoga. Find your nearest Zumba class, kettlebell workout or CrossFit Center to see amazing results. Or if you’re short on time, just scrap the research on Google and try one of these:
 
Rebounderz
22400 Davis Drive
Sterling, VA 20164
703.433.5867
divafitonline.com
“To explore new extreme fun, to see new stimulating activities, and to go where no one has gone before” is quite a striking mission statement. Rebounderz is an all-new indoor trampoline arena that is dedicated to promoting an active, challenging and rewarding lifestyle. Don’t let this franchise fool you. It’s not just for children’s birthday parties and play dates. It offers cardiorobics classes that combine calisthenics, core exercise, strength training and aerobics all into one as well as corporate team building events.

DivaFit
Several area locations
divafitonline.com
What started as a hobby for owner Lisa Peklo has grown into a bona fide business. DivaFit now has studios in Ashburn, Herndon, Chantilly and Falls Church and aims to have all of their clients walking away smiling while feeling sexier and stronger. Learn the art of striptease in a non-intimidating environment and work your way up to becoming a pole master. You can’t beat finding your inner sensuality while getting in shape. And if you are up for the challenge, Divafit now offers classes in aerial silks. You may have seen this apparatus − silky, curtain-like fabric − used in shows such as Cirque du Soleil.

L.A. Boxing
Several area locations
laboxing.com

There is a fighter within all of us and, at L.A. Boxing, everyday people can train right alongside professional fighters while taking a class that offers a stimulating aerobic experience.
Each gym offers a proper boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts experience complete with boxing gloves and a 150-pound punching bag for each member. Don’t miss out on a workout that has been proven to burn up to 1,000 calories in an hour!

Trapeze School New York
Washington, D.C.
washingtondc.trapezeschool.com

"[The catcher] rises up to you and all of a sudden, he's there. He grabs you, you swing out, and your spirit just soars!” wrote one student. With a location in the heart of D.C., TSNY is dedicated to making flying trapeze available to anyone who seeks inspiration, challenge, fitness or just a couple hours of unique fun. They try to create a safe, fun, challenging environment where students strive to surpass limitations and more richly enjoy their lives. TSNY brings a whole new meaning to the song "I believe I can fly!”

Spa World
13830 Braddock Road
Centreville, VA 20121
703.815.8959
spaworldusa.com

Sometimes rest and relaxation combined with a holistic approach can be just as beneficial as a hardcore workout. For $35 per visit, one can visit a Korean inspired spa that includes seven different poultice rooms and a bath house. The salt room is made with rock from the Himalayas and helps remove impurities and also warms the bones resulting in preventing female issues such as menopause related disorders and irregular periods. And by all means, don’t skip the blue onyx room that helps reduce wrinkles and improve kidney function. This facility also includes a juice bar, full fitness center and spa treatments offered for an additional charge. Be forewarned: You will be provided a “uniform,” and some areas require you to go au natural!

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SHELLEY MCCULLERS graduated from Virginia Tech in Family and Child Development and began working as a group home counselor until the birth of her first child. She spends her days working out, eating poorly and chauffeuring her children. She authors theknockoutmama.blogspot.com where she chronicles her never-ending weight loss journey. She lives in Leesburg, Virginia with her husband and two children.