Workouts can get really boring – if you LET them (key word: LET). Of course, for many of you, how boring your workouts are greatly depends on how creative your trainer or instructor is. As a boot camp trainer, it’s my job to research new ideas, workouts, games, exercises and tools to make our program the best program possible – all while keeping workouts fresh and fun. Many times that requires a little creativity – especially if you are limited on equipment or space.

Steve and I love to think up new ways to work muscles using untraditional methods. We also love shopping at Lowe’s in search of new tools to make for our boot camp (like the sandbags & battle sticks we made this weekend). Why? It’s not because there is a shortage of effective traditional exercises or equipment, but because we know not everyone has access to a gym or can afford a $4,000 piece of equipment for each body part. With that in mind, we try to develop ways for you to enhance workouts at home, in the gym, or while on the road, so you can have more variety to choose from without having to invest in a ton of equipment.

Whether you work your self out, or you are a trainer looking for some fresh material, here are 20 untraditional exercises to try out!

Untraditional Exercises for Functional Training

Click on the exercise to view video instruction for each exercise.

Bodyweight Exercises using Minimal Tools

1.  (Hamstrings Exercise Using a Wall) 2.  (Cardio and Lower Body using just Body Weight) 3. (Cardio and Upper Body using a Wall)4.  (Cardio & Lower Body using ) 5.  (Cardio & Lower Body using ) 6.  (Full Body Toning & Cardio using a Step)

Partner Exercises

7. 8. 9. 10. 

Balance Exercises

11.  (Balance Ball) 12.  (Balance Ball) 13.  (Balance Ball) 14.  (Medicine Ball) 15.  (Bosu Ball) 16.  (Bosu Ball)

Treadmill Exercises

17.  18.  19. 20.  21. 

Ab Exercises

22.  23. 24. 25. 

Sample Wall-Up Workout

Here is an example of how we use untraditional exericses, like wall-ups, in our workouts with our clients:

[youtube=

Subscribe to and for more workout ideas, fitness tips and more!