We’re all trying to be healthier. I know this is the standard New Year’s resolution, but I sense that the global commitment to improvement is more serious this year, that there’s recognition that we need to do something if we’re going to live long enough to die at the hands of robots. I am convinced that moving more is the key to all of this, not necessarily exercising, but being out in the world and engaging in activities that fill you up sans food or booze. That’s a difficult life change, however; when friends and I make plans to meet, said itineraries almost always involve dining or drinking. Friday nights are perfect for happy hours; Saturday nights are better suited to an early dinner and late drinks. I don’t remember the last time I had weekend evening plans that didn’t center on eating or drinking. Maybe with my mother? That was a brunch, actually, and even that involved mimosas. I make a killer mimosa.
At Weight Watchers, we often discuss how to engage in activities that get us moving more or rewarding ourselves without pizza or Penfolds. Without fail, group go-tos include walking, playing Frisbee/catch in the park, dancing naked in our kitchens while singing into spatulas, reading, and the detestable act of shopping for clothes. Yet none of these activities is something I’d do with girlfriends or a life mate on a Saturday night. I searched the Interwebs to see what the sage millions had to say, and guess what popped up again and again? Ham radio. I’ll have to look into that.
The criteria for our task at hand:
1) Activities must be done outside the home.
2) They must be things you engage in with other people.
My ideas:
Bowling (of course now most city bowling alleys have full bars in addition to townies)
The tried and true movie night (without pretzel nuggets, despite their known ability to cure PMS and all else that ails you. And no. The small buckets of queso they sell them with do not make buying them more acceptable.)
Board or card games at a coffee shop (I guess Diet Coke and coffee are acceptable; booze is only required when you play with the ultra and annoyingly competitive)
Salsa, swing, ballroom dancing lessons (this makes me squee slightly)
Museum, musical, theater events (advance planning and hair washing required!)
That’s all I’ve got. Can you help? I’ll be looking for your ideas in the comments, so please don’t fail me like Grandpa did.
18 Comments
ice skating. I took my 4 year old this weekend and free skate was packed with people on dates, and I thought that was a great idea.
I’d suggest hiking in the woods but, I don’t know where your nearest woods are.
Good luck!
Walking the cats around the block. You have leashes for them, right?
I kid. Food and/or drinks are always part of the equation when I meet up with friends, so I’m having a hard time coming up with suggestions other than what you’ve already listed.
Would you ever join a walking or running club? If you don’t like the thought of hanging out with strangers, you and your friends could start your own club.
Hmmm… my friends and I tend to smoke instead. Which is not really helpful is it?
mm hmmm… that first year I turned to clog dancing. Wanted to bowl but didn’t know anyone to join a league with. So I just drank more alcohol and thought about it for a while.
hehehe
And what Finn said :)
Roller skating (although I don’t know if indoor rinks are so easily found anymore), and kayaking!
OK, so you can kayak alone, too, but if you have access to a lake, creek or river w/rentals, it’s a lot of fun to do as a group, and not too expensive.
Or bike riding…if trails and rentals are available to you.
Also, if you have an REI nearby, they organize group outdoor activities which always sound like fun. Some are free, and those that aren’t provide whatever equipment the activity requires.
Indoor rock climbing, laser tag, paintball, putt putt golf (minigolf), batting cages, driving range, go kart racing, shooting range, evening sightseeing of the monuments
Volunteering. There are tons of things happening around town all the time that need manpower, and it’s way more fun with a friend. Even if you’re not that into the activity you’re supporting. I don’t run, but I’m gonna be working the Cherry Blossom 10-miler handing out water or helping with packet pickup or something. Get out, help out, have an experience. And look around for groups that are in line with causes you support.
I’m thinking about getting involved in organized recreational sailing.
Although that usually involves drinking at a non-competitive level.
The driving range at Haynes Point is opening the evenings (at least during the summer). You can rent clubs and there is no pressure to even make contact with the ball. I think I whiffed more than I made contact. It’s a great warm weather activity!
Rock climbing. Indoor climbing gyms provide the gear, the safety equipment, the training and you bring a sense of adventure, a belay partner and a readiness to sweat like crazy.
Roller derby is fun – watching, I mean. Or playing if you’d like too. Intermural leagues are popping up all over.
Hula hoop lessons are a blast too.
My local library branches host a variety of events – trivia/game nights, movie nights, lectures, etc. – almost all for free. I follow them on facebook and get updates regularly about upcoming events.
There is also at least one organization here in Denver who hosts free documentary screenings and discussions every week. Topics run the gamut.
This weekend I took a walk around the Oak Hill Cemetery off of R street just north of georgetown. It. Is. Amazing. It’s so large I probably only say 30-40% in the 90 minutes we walked around, so I’m definitely going back. ANd there’s other amazing graveyards (lots!) in this city. It’s my new hobby!!!
Renting bikes and taking a guided tour of somewhere/something cool (OK, I’m sort of making this up based on one guided bike tour I heard about in Napa).
Horseback riding.
Taking a cooking class
A book club (meeting outside people’s houses)
Boot camp class (which sounds horrible and not at all like something anyone should actually do)
Classes at Paper-Source locations (they do crafts and cards and things like that)
I play in a tennis league that is not super competitive, it is a great way to meet new people and have some fun.
strip tease lessons?
volunteering for a local road race. you’ll be moving around and may even find you want to do one!
learning to knit? or sew?
becoming a tourist for the day (especially in your neck of the woods)
picking a neighborhood you don’t normally go to an exploring
In San Francisco, where I live, there is a great book called something like “Stairways of San Francisco” with about 15 walking tours that specifically go up and down the many public stairs in our hilly city. I wonder if there isn’t some sort of book like that for DC? (probably without the stairways). or if your group could do some research and create one?
I also particularly like high school plays when they are offered to the public. Nothing like seeing a nervous high schooler to remind me how great it is to be an adult (well, sort of!)
I really can’t picture you geared up for lasertag.
Book Club? Is that active enough? Otherwise volunteering is good – rolling around with 10,000 kittens at the animal shelter is always fun but you may end up bringing one home, which is probably not the goal here, unfortunately.