Men's Fitness: Beyond Weight Training

Get in with After5 - Sign up now!

Not a member, yet?

Jun 4, 2007 | E-mail

Build Those Muscles

When it comes to getting a good workout we know you guys aren't necessarily going to sign up for the first Pilates class you come across. But instead of just trying to see how much weight you can push on the shoulder press machine we've found some good alternatives when you want to switch it up in the gym.

We've all seen that scene in Mission Impossible II where Tom Cruise is hanging over the side of a mountain by sheer strength. Well if that appealed to you and you want to try your hand (and foot) at rock climbing you'd be in for quite a workout. Many gyms now offer a rock climbing wall with helpful instructors if you've never tried it before. Using these walls as a workout uses your forearms, arms and shoulders building your upper body strength. If your gym doesn't have a climbing wall, check out Planet Rock Climbing Gym in both Ann Arbor and Pontiac.

If you want something that's really going to kick your butt, then check out bootcamp training. This is the military style of training and involves running, sprinting, push-ups, squats, pull-ups, lunges and a variety of other calisthenics designed to whip your body into shape. Doing this type of workout will work your body from head to toe giving you fit arms, flat abs and strong calves. And you don't even have to join the army to go to bootcamp. Motor City Bootcamp specializes in this kind of training where you can expect to improve your fitness level, even if you're a seasoned pro.

For something that's a little more speedy, boxing is another way to shake things up. Professional boxers must be in tip top shape to keep up the stamina it takes to last up to 12 rounds. How else do you think Rocky was able to run up those stairs triumphantly? Constant movement is involved when trying to either defend yourself against blows or trying to land them. With a boxing routine you'll get all over fitness and a cardio workout that really only requires a bag, gloves, a jump rope, and some music. And there's no room for excuses since you don't even need to leave home.

Finally is a workout that doesn't involve hitting other people or bruises that will last two weeks. Believe it or not spinning is a highly effective workout. This workout will get your lower body into tip top shape and your heart racing. Sure you could use a stationary bike on your own but you won't get the motivation that an instructor will provide. He or she will lead you along the imaginary bike trails, prompting you to change the tension like you were going over hills and valleys, with music that will make you want to move. Your gym may already offer a good spinning class so check it out!