5 Sports to pick up in 2024 that don’t involve running and where to try them
Let’s get moving
As 2024 kicks into full swing, it’s time to get crunching on those New Year’s resolutions! If your list involves fitness or movement of some sort, but you’re not a fan of running or traditional weight training, there are still plenty of options for you to try your hand at that will not only challenge you, but also guarantee some fun while you’re at it. Whether you’re into racquet sports or prefer getting on a bike, here are five non-running activities that will have you breaking a sweat and where you can go to give them a shot.
Pilates
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Gaining immense popularity in the last year, pilates has recently seen a huge increase in loyal believers who swear by its powers. Pilates has been around since the early 20th century and is known for its great benefits in strengthening muscles, increasing flexibility, and stabilising the core. While it might look simple from afar, pilates can be demanding in its own right, requiring a ton of concentration, balance, and coordination. Class-wise, you can visit one of the numerous studios around the city for a group or private class with a trained instructor who can guide you through the movements. Whether you go for mat pilates, reformer pilates, or take it up a notch with hot pilates, you’re sure to leave your workout with a dopamine rush and some sore muscles the next day.
Where to try pilates:
- The Flow Studio: Visit its official website for the full list of locations and details
- Tòne by Babel: Unit G-01, 1.1, Platinum Park, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
- Pilates Central: 47, Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Padel
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Another sport that took off in Kuala Lumpur this last year is padel, a version of tennis that requires a smaller court and different racquets. Think of it as a hybrid between squash and tennis. The courts are surrounded by glass walls—similar to those in squash—and mesh wires, while the courts and scoring system of the game are comparable to that of tennis. However, its rules and techniques are unique to the sport. A very social activity, padel is usually played in doubles and is easy to pick up with a group of friends. During gameplay, the ball can bounce off any wall and can hit the turf once before being returned to the opponent. If the ball touches the ground twice before a stroke, the opposing team wins the point. In KL, there is currently only one location where padel is offered as a sport.
Where to try padel:
- Ascaro Padel and Social Club: Level UR, Rooftop, 1 Utama Shopping Centre (New Wing), Central Park Avenue, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Spin
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Spin cycling, or simply spin, has been a go-to sport for many when it comes to a tough but rewarding cardio workout. Not to be confused with general indoor cycling, spin cycling requires a specific bike and is usually done in an indoor studio in a group class—unless you have one of your own, like a Peloton at home—with an instructor. Spin classes are just as motivating as they are engaging since your instructor usually has a pumping playlist to keep you going throughout the class. Most studios offer themed classes so you can get your heart pumping to your favourite tunes. The added motivation of fellow spinners around you in a group class is also a major plus when it comes to spinning in a studio versus indoor cycling or spinning at home.
Where to try spin:
- Journey Indoor Cycling Studio: M-01, Mezzanine Floor, Connecting Podium, Plaza Zurich, 12, Jalan Gelenggang, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
- Flyproject: Visit its official website for the full list of locations and details
- Clubaloha: Plaza Damas, Lot K-0-8B, Ground Floor, Dorchester Service Apartment, 60, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Taman Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilaya Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Bouldering
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Yet another fun yet testing sport that you could challenge yourself with this year is bouldering, which also picked up steam last year. Though many might equate bouldering to rock climbing, the two sports differ in various ways, namely in technique, muscle usage, and protective gear. For the most part, you’ll only have a crash pad to break your fall when bouldering. The difficulty levels in bouldering depend on the boulder problems and routes, which require on-the-fly problem-solving skills to determine which techniques to use and paths to take. It’s a great full-body workout that requires both brain and brawn to get through.
Where to try bouldering:
- Camp5 Climbing Gym: Visit its official website for the full list of locations and details
- Bolder Ventures Climbing Gym: 11, Jalan Industri USJ 1/2, Taman Perindustrian USJ 1, 47600 Subang Jaya, Selangor
- Bump Bouldering: Visit its official website for the full list of locations and details
Aerial yoga
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Go beyond the usual stretches and mat work of regular yoga and embrace the art of flight with aerial yoga. Another reliable and somewhat therapeutic activity for stretching out your muscles and more, aerial yoga brings together asana and yoga techniques with aerial acrobatics. During your class, you’ll make use of silk fabrics hanging from the ceiling while doing your stretches. These silk fabrics are believed to stretch your body more gently and gracefully as they create resistance and traction while you are suspended fully or partially from them attempting different poses. Joint decompression and its low-intensity nature are also great perks for those who have weaker knees or prefer slower and kinder exercises.
Where to try aerial yoga:
- Glow Studio: 13A-3, Level 3, 3rd Mile Square, 151, Jalan Klang Lama, 58100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
- Mi Aerial Yoga Studio: 18-3, Level 3, Block 5, Jalil Link, Jalan Jalil Jaya 6, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilaya Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
- Om Factory: G3A, MH Avenue, 2, Jalan Bunga Kantan, Off Jalan Genting Klang, 53300 Setapak, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
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