Who says getting fit is all about excruciatingly slogging away at the gym? There has been a surge of unorthodox fitness festivals that guarantee to rev up your workout motivation as you relish the rush of adrenaline. From dressing up as a Disney Prince for a marathon, completing a challenging obstacle race when being drenched in mud, to learning how to soar through the air gracefully as if you were in a circus, we’ve rounded up the most exciting and quirky events worldwide for you to accomplish your fitness goals when pushing the boundaries of your comfort zone and getting the sense of camaraderie. Better still, you have more reasons to get out of town and satisfy your wanderlust!

Tough Mudder, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane

Designed to challenge you mentally and physically, tough mudder is a team-oriented obstacle race that features grueling 10 miles of mud and 20 miles of obstacles to help you push the boundaries of your comfort zone. The race is definitely not for the faint-hearted as it involves challenging tasks from crawling through the mud to electric shocks to scaling 25-foot structures. You are guaranteed to get a sense of camaraderie at the event, whether it comes from a helping hand or an extra vote of confidence from your teammates.

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, Florida

Ever thought that you could live out your Disney fantasy while torching calories? As bizarre as it sounds, you can dress up as a Disney Prince or Prince and run a marathon at Walt Disney Resort in Florida with Mickey, Donald Duck, Snow White, and Tinklebell cheering you on from the sideline. The event combines two days of magical run, including the Disney Princess Enchanted 10K and the Disney Princess Half Marathon. Those who finish both will be awarded finisher medals.

Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School, London

Ever wondered what it feels like to soar through the air like a bird? No, I’m not talking about skydiving. I’m talking about performing insane tricks on the flying trapeze. Located in Regent’s Park and Kensington Gardens, Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School, hosts private sessions and corporate team building events throughout the year. The event is ideal for those who want to hone their strength and flexibility. Even better, it gives you the bragging right!

SeaWheeze Sunset Festival, Stanley Park, Vancouver

Not your average and ordinary fitness event, SeaWheeze Sunset Festival is a unique event where you can get your yoga flow on with some world-class yogis. Then when the sun goes down, bring out your dance moves with musical accompaniment by Diplo and Felix Cartal. There’s nothing quite like a fitness event that features EDM, dance party, yoga, and beers. Sounds perfect to you? go for it.

Metabolism has been undoubtedly the trendiest diet buzzword. Metabolism refers to a network of enzymes and hormones that convert the calories we take into fuel to maintain the functions of the body. There are myths about metabolism that are misleading. Just because you’re heavier, doesn’t mean you have a slower metabolism. It varies only depending on the amount of lean muscle mass on your body instead of your weight. That being said, an athletic person would have a higher metabolism than that of an office person with a sedentary lifestyle. It has been shown that the higher metabolism, the easier to torch calories at rest. Read on for more tips if you want to rev up your metabolism and optimize your body to use the fuel more effectively.

Weight Lifting

Strength and resistance training is hands down the best way to rev up your metabolism and slow down the muscle loss associated with aging. You lose 0.5% muscle mass every year once you reach the age of 35, so hit the iron to prevent shrinkage that comes with aging. Weight lifting is the most effective way to stimulate muscle growth and it’s been shown that the higher volume of lean muscle mass, the higher rate of metabolism is required to maintain the function of muscle mass. Even better, weightlifting induces powerful anabolic hormones to grow and stimulate weight loss.

High-Intensity Interval Training

Simply put, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a type of workouts that alternates bouts of intensive exercises with less intensive breaks. It has been shown that HIIT is more effective at boosting metabolism than running on a treadmill or elliptical because it creates a greater metabolic disturbance and allows us to continually burn calories after a workout. HIIT can also improve cardiovascular function and enhance our overall well being.

Take Vitamin

Vitamin is instrumental in improving our ability to carry carbs and fats from the bloodstream to our cells as opposed to leaving them in the bloodstream and accumulate fats. If you’re on a restricted diet, it’s always good to take vitamin supplements to make your body absorb nutrients more effectively. If you always feel drowsy and fatigued, chances are you’re deprived of vitamin and your metabolism is out whack. What you can do is stock up on foods that contain vitamin B, such as beans, lentils, milk, eggs, and lean meat, etc. Keep in mind that taking vitamin won’t drastically spike your metabolism, but it surely helps maintain a functioning metabolism.

Get Quality Sleep

It goes without saying that sleep deprivation and disruption to circadian rhythms wreak havoc on our physical and mental well being. But did you know that it also increases our ghrelin levels which can trick our brain into thinking that we need more food. studies have shown that metabolism slows down when we’re sleep-deprived. Reset your body clock and avoid all-nighters to prevent metabolic damage and unnecessary food cravings associated with sleep deprivation.

Feeling stuck in the 9 to 5 career rut and in need of a getaway to declutter your mind? Want to steer away from the city where you always get jostled by the crowds to the point where you can’t find your authentic self? Maybe time has come for you to embark on a new adventure, and follow the footstep of the soul searcher Elizabeth Gilbert in the movie Eat, Pray, Love, who rediscovered pleasure in the food mecca Italy, meditated in an ashram in India and found the meaning of love in Bali. Instead of satisfying your unquenchable wanderlust by living vicariously through Elizabeth, why don’t you go on a holiday to cultivate “Dolce Far Niente”(the sweetness of doing nothing in Italian)? We are almost spoiled for choice when it comes to wellness retreats. To help you save the hassle of sifting through the listings and travel reviews, we’ve rounded up the best retreats for you to sign up.

Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda, Italy

Built into the terraced hillside, Lefay Resort is an eco-friendly resort in northern Italy that overlooks the picturesque Lake Garda and features a communion with nature, a huge spa that combines Western scientific research and classic Chinese medicine to enhance physical and a restaurant that serves phenomenal cuisine around the health-centric Mediterranean diet.

The Siam, Thailand

Housed luminaries like Jacqueline Kennedy, Henry Ford, Roger Moore and John Rockefeller, The Siam is a luxury sanctuary of wellness located smack dab in heart of Thailand that oozes a whiff of mystery with its colonial surroundings. It has an award-winning spa that delivers regenerative Thai treatments with ethically-sourced therapeutic essential oil. The retreat also provides guests with Muay Thai classes to sweat it out.

ITC Hotel Grand Bharat Spa Resort, India

Nestled among the ancient Aravali, ITC Hotel Grand Bharat Spa Resort is one of the first all-suites luxury retreat in India. It boasts exceptional gourmet cuisine, awe-inspiring architecture, hydrotherapy sessions and holistic full body treatment reminiscent of ayurvedic herbal oil body massage. Guests can also curate their own retreats with 62 classic Indian treatments.

Sparkling Hill Resort & Wellness Hotel, Canada

Home to the largest luxury spa in Canada, Sparkling Hill Resort & Wellness Hotel is a tranquil retreat for those who want physical and mental detox. From acupuncture, naturopathy, homeopathy to treatments combined with Chinese herbal medicine and botanical treatments, KurSpa guarantees to help restore the balance between mind and body.

Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso, Greece

Nestled in the heart of Athenian Riviera, Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso is a lavish resort that provides Thalassotherapy, a healing treatment that applies saltwater, mud, sand and basically all substances from the sea to restore the balance of the body. The resort also features a state-of-the-art fitness center that provides specialist consultations to help you achieve your physical goals.

Ever lost your appetite for the entrée that is yet to be served after knocking back a sugary drink or chowing down on the starchy bread? That’s because when you consume carbohydrates, insulin is released and it stimulates a type of amino acids called tryptophan to travel from the bloodstream into your brain. Tryptophan is the precursor of the neurotransmitter called serotonin which has been dubbed as the “mood stabilizer” and “appetite suppressant”. With that being said, it’s not the sweet or snatchy appetizer that makes you feel stuffed but the serotonin that tricks your brain into thinking that you’ve eaten enough. Sometimes it’s not because you’re genetically susceptible to gaining weight or you have a sedentary lifestyle, but because you have a poor diet associated with a bad mood and low serotonin level. You can improve your eating habits by understanding the carbohydrate-serotonin effect on your appetite and the power of serotonin to control your calorie intake.

Serotonin and Weight Gain

Some people cope with depression and stress by indulging in sweet foods that are loaded with carbs because it enhances the brain serotonin level and restores your good mood and energy, but the downside is excessive consumption of carbohydrates can lead to weight gain and even obesity. Serotonin depletion is a type of hormonal imbalance that can lead to sleeping difficulty, depression, chronic fatigue and binge eating associated with weight gain. Some people with clinical depression might need prescription medications to alter their brain serotonin levels. However, the best way to avoid weight gain and obesity are to increase your vegetable and fruit intake as well as your protein and nutrient-dense superfoods.

Serotonin and Diet

Not all foods with tryptophan are good for boosting serotonin. Although tryptophan can be found in all proteins, there are many other amino acids in the protein that compete with tryptophan to get into the brain. Eating carbs that are sweet or starchy is the easiest way to increase serotonin but in order to prevent weight gain, you’ll have to avoid fats and eat carbs three hours after a meal that contains protein. Also, steer clear of the snacks that contain more than 3 grams of fat.

Foods with tryptophan:

• Cheese
• Nuts & Seeds
• Pineapples
• Tofu & Soy
• Salmon
• Eggs
• Chocolate
• Pumpkin
• Turkey

Other Sources of Serotonin

Absorbing certain nutrients in the diet is the most natural and healthy way to replenish serotonin, it is also encouraged to take supplements to convert tryptophan into niacin, which facilitates the production of serotonin. 5-HTP is a herbal supplement and considered as an amino acid that has been used by herbalists to treat ADD, depression and anxiety. Vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B9 (folic acid), and magnesium are also essential in making serotonin. These natural supplements have been shown to produce dopamine, increase attention span, and energy level. As always consult with your physician prior to beginning any new diet and supplement regimen.

Who says you have to load up more weights for the deadlift, overexert yourself by pounding away at the gym and being drenched in sweat to improve your physique? Sometimes simple weight-bearing movements like doing a plank everyday work wonder for your body and mental strength. For those “sloths” with a sedentary lifestyle, doing planks is the best way to kickstart your workout routine and then slowly build momentum from there. Don’t ever underestimate this simple workout movement as it fires up more core muscles than any other movement. The posture of a plank looks ostensibly straightforward and as easy as pie, but actually, it takes immense strength and endurance in your core, abs, and hamstrings. And even better, you can do planks remotely without any types of equipment. You’re guaranteed to see changes in your body and strength if you do it regularly and incorporates it into other strength-based and cardio driven workouts.

It Strengthens Your Core Muscles

Core strength is extremely vital in your golden age as it prevents you from falling and getting strain injury. Bodyweight exercises like planks can help you keep your spine in alignment and improve the strength of your skeletal system. Doing planks is also instrumental in achieving the classic six-packs by toning your abdominal muscles. But of course, you’ll need to ditch the love handles first before you gain the six-packs!

It Improves Flexibility

If you’ve done yoga before, then you might wonder why the plank seems to be an important element in yoga routines. Yoga is known for improving flexibility and guesses what, planks don’t just help fire up your abdominal muscles or help you get a toned belly, it also helps grow and stretch your collarbone, shoulder, and the entire muscle group in the back of your body with continued planking. Variations like side plank or side plank knee to elbow crunch can improve your flexibility even more.

You, Will, Have Better Posture And Balance

To do the proper form of the plank, you need to engage your core muscles and stay uptight to support yourself up. If you do it regularly, you’re guaranteed to have a better posture and have your hunchback fixed. Planking is a weight-bearing exercise that is modifiable and versatile, meaning you can change it up and challenge yourself to get better results. For instance, you can do side planks with one leg up or planks with extensions to build stability.

It Improves Your Mood

You might have heard that virtually all exercises cause a release of endorphins, the feel-good chemicals in our brains. The same goes for planks as mind and body go hand in hand! Besides, the muscle group’s planks target are the ones that are often knotted or strained. Depression and anxiety can make you prone to physical diseases, which is known as a psychosomatic disorder. Doing planks can release tension in your body, feel more confident, and reduce the risk of getting diseases.

Ever put on an up-tempo metal rock with pulse-raising beats to brace yourself for a heavy deadlift? It may help you unleash your inner beast and agony but the downside is your eardrum could be damaged by the loud music. Instead of listening to eardrum-busting music, why not put on some inspirational podcasts or audiobooks for a long workout to rev up your motivation, stamina and unlock your subconscious mind? Some music can trigger your lingering thoughts about day-to-day trivial things that bug you whereas listening to motivational podcasts can help you keep your mind off them and channel the positive energy from inside out. Read on to find out more about the best audiobooks and podcasts for workouts!

Motivational Audiobooks:

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

A memoir of a well-acclaimed novelist and avid runner who went through antagonizing pain as he struggled to finish the New York City Marathon, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running gives you insight into how the author managed to overcome insecurities and push through to the end. According to the author, the greatest qualities of a novelist are the talent, focus, and endurance, which are pretty much what it takes to be a bodybuilder. Those who thrive on challenges will definitely resonate with it. It is also sure to rev up your stamina and motivation when you’re lifting heavy weights or running on the treadmill.

The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph

Perfect for those who want to thrive in a high-stress environment, The Obstacle Is the Way is a collection of ancient stories and philosophies about stoicism. It offers thought-provoking perspectives on how to accomplish your goals and find triumph from tragedy. Whether you’re hammering away at the gym or just going through hardships, this audiobook is sure to leave you with a new way of thinking. Some of the quotes like “Being stuck is not a fate but a position”, and  “What stands in the way becomes the way. There’s always a way out or another route to get to where you need to go” are very profound and inspirational.

Fitness Podcasts

The Mike Dolce Show

If audiobooks that talk about life philosophy don’t float your boat, then put on The Mike Dolce Show that shares topics revolving around weight loss, muscle gain, and overall healthy living. Mike Dolce was voted the World MMA Trainer from 2013-2016 and acclaimed for helping many UFC athletes like Johny Hendricks and Ronda Rousey lose weights. This podcast also takes you behind closed doors to the world-class training camps. Mike also published a few international best-selling books include The Dolce Diet: 3 Weeks to Shredded, The Dolce Diet: Living Lean, etc

Barbell Shrugged

Looking specifically for quality content on CrossFit, weightlifting, and physical health goals? Barbell Shrugged has it covered. Featuring hundreds of entertaining and interactive interviews with professional athletes like Kettle-bell World Champion Mike Salemi, Barbell Shrugged provides gym-goers all aspects of health tips ranging from how to improve conditioning, the magic of mushrooms to nutrition for weightlifters.

We all have days when we wake up with insurmountable fatigues and dread going to work. Mind and body go hand in hand for well-being. The best way to disassociate yourself from stress is to incorporate mindfulness practice into your daily life. Want to wake up every morning feeling refreshed and pumped? For starters, try the below relaxation techniques to achieve inner calm and peace of mind.

Practice Yoga               

Yoga doesn’t just help you get a better physique but also deepen the mind-body connection as it consists of a series of chant, meditation, and breathing techniques that will help you find inner peace. Not sure where to start? Try the most popular Hatha Yoga combines active movements and seated poses. It will also help you build endurance. If you want to deepen the body-mind connection, you can take your yoga mat to a tranquil beach to immerse yourself in nature and indulge in the moment of solitude.

Mindfulness Meditation

Meditation is a means of transforming your mind. If your crazy work schedule doesn’t allow you to go to a yoga studio or retreat, then try a 15 to 20 minutes meditation every day before you head out. Meditation mainly works wonder for your emotional well-being as it helps bridge the gap between your consciousness and subconsciousness. The purpose of meditation is to bring clarity to your mind and stop the internal dialogues. It helps you let go of your muscle tension and stress.

Practice Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is a powerful relaxation technique that can be combined with other elements such as aromatherapy and music. Don’t underestimate the powerfulness of deep breathing. It can help you tap into your subconsciousness and even strengthen your survival mechanisms. A man called Wim Hof was able to run a marathon across the snow using a breathing exercise known as the Wim Hof method which became acclaimed for treating arthritis, bipolar, chronic depression, and anxiety. The way it works is to take a deep breath from your abdomen to inhale more oxygen, rather than using your upper chest. More oxygen you take means a higher heart rate, adrenaline level, and less anxiety you have.

Go Floating

Floating therapy is another way to reduce stress hormones and stimuli. Floating is a form of sensory deprivation and psychedelic experience that makes you achieve a deep state of relaxation. Once you’re put in a pitch-black, soundproof pod with almost zero gravity and a foot of Epsom salt, you’ll immediately feel weightless and gradually doze off. As floating therapy diminishes all sensors – smells, sounds, touch, and sights, it helps you mellow out and let go of all the tension you get from work.

Digital Detox

If you find yourself constantly getting worked up when your cell phone chimes, chances are it’s time for you to turn the notifications off and have a “digital detox”. Human beings are fundamentally tribal so we find validation through sharing and “likes” on social media. But If you want to detach from the hustle and bustle of the reality, it’s always good to have a tech-free weekend and pick up a book to reinvent yourself