Dance, Bounce and Fly with the Best Alternative Workouts in LA
Whether you’re bored with your same-old running route or you’ve discovered you’re just not a "gym person," Los Angeles has many ways to make you move. If it’s time to shake things up for the new year, check out these off-the-beaten path workouts.
Aerial Yoga
Elevate your yoga practice to three feet off the floor using fabric slings (hammocks) to stretch, strengthen and tone every muscle. Many places throughout the city offer aerial yoga—from Highland Park’s beautifully rustic Kinship to Mid-Wilshire’s D&A Flying Yoga (which also offers Pole Dance classes) to Studio City’s intimate Up Flying studio, which also offers aerial dance classes and Flying Yoga parties, instructor included. Just take your pick and take flight!
Bubble Soccer
For a fun version of "the beautiful game," book a Bubble Soccer event for your next party or corporate team building. Airballing LA provides everything you'll need, including:
- 10 Adult or Kid Bubble Balls
- Giant Soccer Ball
- 1 Standard Soccer Ball
- 1 Medium Size Kickball Ball
- Soccer Goals
- Event Coordinator & Equipment Delivery
Pricing is $450 for a 90-minute session. You find the park and Airballing LA does the rest!
Cirque School
“Anybody with any body” can hang with the circus by taking classes at Cirque School - where Hollywood actors go to train for stunt and theatrical work. Classes range from Handstands 101 to beginning Trapeze, Aerial Hoop, and Advanced Contortion, while instructors take every precaution in guiding newbies through a safe, fun experience. Kids’ classes and cute ticket-like gift certificates available, as well.
Dance Church
Founded by Kate Wallich in 2010, Dance Church® is "on a mission to empower dancers everywhere … with the intention of creating a space that is welcoming to all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and identities." Teachers lead each 70-minute class in a series of movement cues, accompanied by a curated playlist of multi-genre pop music. The format is open but guided throughout. No prior dance experience is necessary, but open-mindedness is a prerequisite.
In-person classes are typically held at Stomping Grounds LA, with "Field Trips" at rotating locations like The Industry Loft and Los Angeles Dance Project.
LA Boulders
Part of the Touchstone Climbing collective, LA Boulders in the Arts District boasts 17-foot walls, 11,500 square feet of climbing terrain and 200+ boulder problems. LA Boulders is a bouldering-only gym - you don't need ropes or a harness, just come in and climb!
The busy calendar includes numerous Intro to Bouldering classes, yoga and kettlebell strength & conditioning. Become a member and enjoy benefits like reciprocal use of all Touchstone Climbing gyms across California, including Hollywood, Culver City, Burbank and Pasadena.
Los Angeles LGBT Center - Senior Activities
Located at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Senior Center offers numerous weekly activities for older adults ages 50 and over. Highlights include Chair Yoga on Wednesdays from 11am to noon; and the online Everyday Movement for All on Fridays (9-10am). For seniors who want to get into the groove with their workouts, on Tuesdays there's R&B Line Dancing (11am - noon) and Cardio Soul Dance from 1:30-2:30pm.