Every schmuck selling athletic gear or class passes claims “working out doesn’t have to be a chore,” and honestly…it’s true. Moving around doesn’t have to be painful, and it certainly doesn’t have to be boring. If you’re not much into running and know you’ll never be a gym rat but still want to get more active, never fear. We’ve rounded up some of the most unconventional workouts in the District to help you figure out what moves you.

Flying trapeze in The Yards park. (Photo by Mr.TinDC)

TRAPEZE:
Trapeze School New York’s tagline is “Forget Fear. Worry About The Addiction” and they aren’t kidding. Flying through the air is exhilarating, and falling is actually pretty fun too. (There’s a sturdy harness and a bouncy net to catch you.) It’s great for building strength, particularly in your arms and core.

Workout: Expect your core to feel things. Kids are welcome.
Cost: Varies widely, but plan for around $50 per class
When and where: Week-long classes in Navy Yard at 1299 New Jersey Avenue SE

Also try: Besides flying trapeze, TSNY offers static trapeze, Spanish web, trampoline, acrobatics, and silks.

SNOWSHOEING: Winter is peeking around the corner, but that doesn’t mean you need to stop moving. There’s something a little awe-inspiring about strapping on a pair of snowshoes after (or during) a fresh snowfall and crunching through the peaceful silence. Snowshoes allow you to sneak up on wildlife and to traipse through otherwise inaccessible drifts, and doesn’t necessitate any previous experience or the balance required for skiing and snowboarding.

Workout: Whole body, particularly legs and core. Good for people of all levels.
Cost: $40/person with snowshoe rental, hot chocolate, and a guide.
When and where: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, other times are available. Meetups vary depending on weather in Friendsville, Maryland so call for details.

Also try: Horseback riding in Rock Creek Park or skiing outside the District

(Photo by Elvert Barnes)

ULTIMATE FRISBEE : This enjoyable, accessible sport is a cross between football and basketball, played with a disk. It’s seen a boom in popularity in recent years in part because it’s easy to learn, can be played almost anywhere, and doesn’t require expensive equipment. Many teams are co-ed, and you can often see a game on the lawn in front of the Capital. There are many teams and pickup games to choose from.

Workout: Lots of cardio. This is a really welcoming sport, so don’t sweat it if you’ve never thrown a disk before.
Cost: Varies, but free options available
When and where: Varies, find teams and times here.

Also try: Dodgeball! Seriously, it’s so much fun and there are lots of leagues to choose from. Sweatbands and small shorts encouraged. Alternatively, give footy (Australian rules football) a go.

JUDO: Full disclosure: I’m a member of DC Judo, and I can’t recommend it enough. If you’re looking for a joyful, tough, full-body workout in a non-pretentious atmosphere (as well as a place to meet solid friends and clear your head), this is the place. Judo is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes throws, chokes, pins, and ground fighting, and every technique is modified to maximize the capabilities of bodies of all kinds. They also give regular pointers and workshops on self-defense, and host and travel to competitions regularly.

Workout: All levels, from utter novices to the most hardcore athletes. DC Judo teachers have training in working with blind people and athletes with differing abilities. Kids are welcome on Mondays and Saturdays.
Cost: $10/class, but they are committed to keeping classes accessible and offer scholarships.
When and where: Classes are held at the Kennedy Recreation Center and at the Edgewood Arts Center after work hours and on Saturday. Check here for exact times and locations.

Also try: Karate, MMA, Capoiera, or Tai Kwan Do

TWERKING: Besides being incredibly fun, twerking provides a challenging upper body workout and will test your flexibility. Never fear: even if you’ve never danced before, in no time the instructor Michaela will have you cracking up–besides sweating buckets and booty popping like a pro.

Workout: Be warned that your thighs and abs will likely be sore. You don’t need any previous experience!
Cost: $20/class
When and where: Times vary, 617 Rhode Island Ave. NE, Suite A

Also try: If you’d like to take it to the next level, give Michaela’s strip aerobics or chair work a try. Pole dancing is another great option if you want to feel super strong and super sexy.

(Photo by Elvert Barnes)

HULA HOOPING: Although you might associate it with your childhood, hoola hooping isn’t just for kids. In fact, it can be downright…sultry. It’s also a really great way to strengthen your core and provides a great cardio workout that’s way more fun than running (unless you’re into that kind of thing.)

Workout: Cardio and major ab work.
Cost: Varies
When and where: Varies. Check here for some offerings.

Also try: If you’re into nostalgia-based workouts, try jump rope!

BARRE: If you’ve always admired ballerinas but don’t want to live the punishing ballet lifestyle, barre might be a good option. Barre classes are derived from three disciplines: ballet barre, yoga, and pilates. As such, the workouts emphasize the development of strength–particularly lean muscle, flexibility, and a strong core. You get the grace, strength, and flexibility of ballet dance without the bloody toes and brutal diets.

Workout: These classes are designed to make everyone feel welcome, and allow for a great deal of modification. Barre workouts are low-impact and help develop dexterity and strength, particularly in the core.
Cost: Pricing varies by studio
When and where: Check locations and times at Barre 3, Pure Barre, and the Bar Method.

Also try: African dance is *incredibly* fun, and it can provide challenging cross training even for the toughest of athletes.

SQUASH: Whacking a bouncy rubber ball with all your might in a small confined place is an incredible way to work off all the stress that’s been piling up. Think tennis, but more violent. Squash is another sport booming in popularity—shmancy new squash facility and all— for a reason. It’s really fun, and will run you ragged with you barely noticing.

Workout: Lots of cardio, lots of arms and abs. Classes available for youth and people of all levels.
Cost: Varies
When and where: Squash on Fire (2233 M St. NW)

Also try: Boxing and rock climbing build strength and provide both challenge and release.

(Courtesy of SplashCycle)

AQUACYCLING: SplashCycle is an underwater spinning workout that’s quickly gained popularity in the District. Stationary bikes are placed in a pool, and cyclists pedal against the water resistance (one of our events editors filed a full dispatch from a recent class). It’s a great way to work out hard and still stay cool. Classes fill quickly so plan ahead.

Workout: Water resistance will help you build thighs of steel.
Cost: $25/class on weekdays, $20/class for a five-class pack, and $30/class on weekends
When and where: 2015 Massachusetts Ave. NW on the rooftop pool of the Embassy Row Hotel with a variety of class times.

Also try: If you’re looking for a more conventional spin class, there are a wide variety to choose from, many of which offer a fun (and motivating) party-like atmosphere. Of course, you can always go the old-fashioned route and pedal along on one of D.C.’s many group bike rides.

YOGA MORTIS: If you enjoy yoga but need your surroundings to match your ghoulish sensibilities (or can appreciate the inevitable corpse pose jokes) this practice might be for you. Note that the class is held in the Congressional Cemetery Chapel, not among the gravestones. Classes are beginner-friendly.

Workout: Easy to moderate whole-body workout, all levels of experience welcome.
Cost: $15 suggested donation
When and where: Every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Congressional Cemetery Chapel

Also try: If you’re into other unconventional yoga variations, check out goat yoga, kitten yoga, trap yoga, or beer yoga.

AXE THROWING: Always dreamed of being a Lumberjack or Lumberjill? (Yes that’s the actual term.) Ok probably not, but I bet you’d still enjoy chucking axes at the wall. It’s just as cathartic as you might imagine, and it’s accessible to Washingtonians now that Bad Axe Throwing opened their competitive indoor axe-throwing studio in D.C.

Workout level: Pretty easy, but challenges your arms and shoulders. Look, if golfing can be considered a sport, so can this.
Cost: $44.25/person for group bookings, $20/hour for walk-ins
When and where: 2419 Evarts St. NE

Also try: If working out is as important to you as looking like a badass, try lifting boulders and flipping monster tire trucks. If you want another fun, not-really-a-sport sport, try bocce.