New year, new you — that’s how the cliche goes, isn’t it?

For many people, few things are as transformative as cutting those holiday pounds and getting in shape. But maybe the monotony of treadmills and bench presses have dissuaded some from sticking to those fitness goals in years past.

If that’s the case, plenty of unconventional workout routines abound across central Ohio for those who made resolutions to be active in 2019. Here are a few to consider:

Virtual-reality fitness

FITNESS LOFT OF COLUMBUS, 625 PARSONS AVE.

Contact: 614-782-1777, www.fitnessloftcolumbus.com

Within seconds of starting Tim Donahey’s fitness classes, participants will find themselves transported to boxing rings, dojos and soccer pitches.

Since 2017, Donahey has offered several variations of virtual-reality fitness training at the Fitness Loft on the Southeast Side. The 30-minute classes combine cardiovascular and core workouts with the escapism of video games.

“You take an otherworldly, larger-than-life role or live out a fantasy, even,” the fitness instructor said. “You’re so immersed, you’re so present in that situation, that you’re not counting reps.”

Up to two people can sign up for each class, and Donahey provides the headsets and workout simulations. Donahey selects games that test a user’s focus and coordination while requiring plenty of movement.

Participants can take on the guise of ninjas who must fire arrows at enemy combatants while squatting to dodge incoming projectiles; boxers in a title fight; or soccer goalkeepers who must defend the net from a barrage of balls.

In one of the more popular games, players become Jedi Knights who must cut down moving targets that correspond with colors of the light sabers they wield.

“People don’t realize until the next day what a workout they got,” Donahey said.

Times: 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays; 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays; 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays

Registration: $15 a class, or $10 for gym members; $45 for four visits per month and $7.50 for subsequent classes; $30 for members and $5 for subsequent visits

Conservatory fitness challenge

FRANKLIN PARK CONSERVATORY AND BOTANICAL GARDENS, 1777 E. BROAD ST.

Contact: 614-715-8000, www.fpconservatory.org

Those looking to lose weight this year can try a different sort of buffet at the conservatory.

Beginning Sunday, an inaugural five-week fitness challenge offers a “buffet” of workouts for central Ohioans to sample.

“It’s a huge fitness sampler,” said Danielle Hackworth, the conservatory program coordinator who spearheaded the initiative.

Participants can take part in a hip-hop inspired workout, Pilates, yoga, a scavenger hunt and a boot camp led by local fitness instructors.

But the workouts are only the first half of the two-hour weekly sessions. With the exception of “The Amazing Race” scavenger hunt in week four, each class also includes an educational component that will help guests stay on track with their wellness goals.

Instructors will teach students how to keep a fitness journal, prepare healthful meals and plant an herb garden. In week three, a motivational speaker will provide encouragement after some yoga.

“I think everyone is looking for support from other people,” Hackworth said. “This is a great way to find teamwork.”

Times: 5 to 7 p.m. Sundays beginning Sunday through Feb. 3

Registration: $100 for the series, $90 for members; $25 per class, or $20 for members

Aerial yoga

YOGA ON HIGH, 1020 DENNISON AVE. SUITE 202

Contact: 614-291-4444, www.yogaonhigh.com

Yoga is all about freeing the mind. In aerial yoga, practitioners also can free their bodies — from the ground.

With the support of a U-shaped hammock, participants can experience a flying sensation as they go through traditional poses — even if they're only a few inches off the ground. Yoga on High has regularly offered aerial yoga classes for five years, and instructor Rachel Weiler said they're one of the studio’s most popular sessions.

“I think people like trying something different,” Weiler said. “Almost all of our classes fill up completely.”

Like traditional yoga, aerial yoga helps practitioners increase flexibility and focus while decreasing stress.

But in this case, their suspended state might assist students in completing difficult poses and getting a deeper stretch. Because gravity is more of a factor, participants might notice their muscles working harder to balance and stabilize.

“Even (for) some of the most practiced yogis,” Weiler said, “aerial yoga is going to be new to them because it’s a totally new way of using your body.”

Times: noon to 1 p.m. Thursday; 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday; 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Wednesday

Registration: $20 a class

Winter Hikes

METRO PARKS

Contact: 614-508-8111, www.metroparks.net

The crisp winter air. The serenity that comes with being surrounded by nature.

Those are things you can’t find in a gym.

From Saturday through Feb. 23, central Ohioans can put down the dumbbells, step off the treadmill and explore 13 central Ohio Metro Parks during the annual Winter Hikes series. In its 46th year, the hikes give residents an opportunity to explore parks across the region, said Jill Snyder, assistant manager of interpretation and education at Metro Parks.

“You’re used to the park near your house,” Snyder said, “but go across town and you’ll be amazed at what a cool natural place we have on the other side of town.”

Each hike — which attracts about 1,000 people per week — has trails of varying distances to accommodate hikers of all fitness levels. Afterward, guests can warm up with a bowl of soup and some camaraderie by a fire.

Four-legged hikers aren’t excluded from the fun; seven of the events are dog-friendly.

Though there is no fee to join, participants are asked to make either a monetary or canned good donation to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. A mug is awarded to those who either donate four items or $5.

Attend seven of the hikes and earn a commemorative patch. Those members of the Friends of Metro Parks who attend all 13 hikes will receive a hiking stick or, if they already have a hiking stick, a commemorative medallion.

Schedule: 10 a.m. Saturday, Blacklick Woods; 10 a.m. Jan. 12, Sharon Woods; 2 p.m. Jan. 13, Prairie Oaks; 10 a.m. Jan. 19, Scioto Audobon; 10 a.m. Jan. 26, Clear Creek; 2 p.m. Jan. 27, Inniswood; 10 a.m. Feb. 2, Blendon Woods; 2 p.m. Feb. 3, Scioto Grove; 10 a.m. Feb. 9, Highbanks; 2 p.m. Feb. 10, Glacier Ridge; 10 a.m. Feb. 16, Three Creeks; 2 p.m. Feb. 17, Slate Run; 10 a.m. Feb. 23, Battelle Darby Creek

Admission: free

elagatta@dispatch.com

@EricLagatta