Most people are constantly trying to shed extra pounds, and many turn to treadmills and exercise bikes, but there are other ways to burn those calories.

Exercises like yoga, spinning and kickboxing are alternatives to the typical work out.

“It’s good for everybody, even if you’re just starting out,” said Becky Lewis, fitness coordinator at the Office of Campus Recreation.

Alternative exercises are offered at many fitness centers, including the rec.

Yoga is a mind-to-body exercise involving mediation and posture.

“It will help you reduce stress and increase concentration,” Lewis said. “It’s all-around wellness.”

This exercise also will help people become more flexible and achieve deep relaxation, she added.

Two types of yoga are hatha yoga, which is for beginners and is offered at the rec, and power yoga, which is more advanced and intense.

“It usually takes place in a dull, warm environment with relaxing music,” Lewis said. “It’s a low-key type exercise, not intense.”

Another exercise option is spinning, an indoor cycling class that is done in a group format.

“It is a simulation bike adventure,” Lewis said. “It depends of the depth of the instructor. It involves a lot of visualization.”

Kickboxing also is offered for those looking for something upbeat, it involves doing jabs, kicks and punches. Unlike other defense classes, however, participants don’t hit anyone else.

“It’s a good type of cardio-type workout,” Lewis said.

For athletes, a sports conditioning class could be a good choice.

“It’s not a choreographed class,” Lewis said. “It mostly will work out your legs.”

Lewis said the most important things to remember about exercise is cross-training, or getting involved in various types of exercise to prevent hitting a plateau. If someone does the same exercise all the time, it can become ineffective.

“An example could be going on the treadmill one day, take a spinning class the next day, then doing yoga,” Lewis said. “It’ll help prevent boredom.”