Avoid getting extra crispy by engaging in sweaty fitness that drips with fun. One of the perks of Tucson is the natural landscape, but sometimes you just don’t want to increase your skin cancer risk. On campus, fitness classes can break up the monotony of playing with gym equipment. The Student Recreation Center offers Zumba, Wildcat Dolls (for the striptease in you), and spinning. But maybe you don’t want to do something on campus. Off campus offerings are just as cool. Sometimes what makes things fun and memorable is the experience. The following places give a taste of unique activities within the range of a swamp cooler.

Rocks and Ropes
330 S. Toole Ave. #400
(520) 882-5924

Tucson is surrounded by four main mountain ranges and Rocks and Ropes will prepare you to climb all of them – maybe. The Rec Center is supposed to be getting a new indoor climbing wall but until then go downtown to practice. The facility is great for varying skill levels from “”No upper body strength, thank you very much”” to “”Just hoisted myself over the cliff with my pinky finger.”” On some days, you can even get a student special of $9. FYI: Visit www.rocksandropes.com for hours and more info.

Tucson Southwest Boxing
3727 E. 37th St.
(520) 271-4322

Channel your inner Billy Blanks and philanthropist when visiting this nonprofit fitness program. Owner Pete Quejada, with coaches Joe Scordato, Richard Nogin, David Villareal and Roger Lau, train and mentor about 30 youths, ages 10-26, daily to keep them off the streets. You can come, too! Current NFL players, and former Wildcats, also visit to work with the kids. No cost, but donations are accepted. The kickboxing, mixed martial arts and conditioning offered will no doubt make you feel worked out. FYI: Open Monday – Friday, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Barbea Williams’ Performing Company African Dance Classes
Dunbar Youth Culture Center
325 W. 2nd St.
(520) 628-7785

You are guaranteed to get a workout from taking West African dance classes. High energy and fast paced, it’s a unique way to metabolize fat while connecting with traditional moves inspired by the Motherland. The gilded studio has a warm, friendly atmosphere and is located in the historical Dunbar School, near Second Street and 11th Avenue. Other classes offered are drum, belly dance, line dancing, ballet, salsa and Dunham Technique to fulfill your cultural experience. FYI: E-mail barbeabwpc@gmail.com for current class schedule and more info.

Yoga Vida
3238 E. Speedway Blvd.
(520) 326-5853

It’s not always about being the best human pretzel you can be. Yoga is also about building strength and your posture so that you can better handle those 3-hour classes. This yoga spot is “”cool”” because it offers hot yoga, or Bikram Yoga, a method in which you perform yoga as the room is heated up. Let the funky fun begin. FYI: Visit www.yogavidatucson.com for current schedules and pricing.

Arizona Ballroom Company
5536 E. Grant Rd.
(520) 290-2990

You beat me to it. You knew there was going to be some kind of reference here to that one show on television that involves professional ballroom dancers and celebrities. Can’t help it. The cha-cha, rumba, tango and other dances are taught by a funny dance master who makes you spell out T-A-N-G-O when dancing with your partner. This place is great for a lovely first date, a club social or as a body toning activity. FYI: Visit
www.arizona-ballroom-dance.com for more info.