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Get Physical: Pick Your Own Apples

FitSugar — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0700

When I was little, my family went apple picking every Fall. The crisp autumn weather reminds me of the inclement weather that is just around the corner, so now is the time to soak in the blue sky and sunlight and get physical outside.

Walking through the orchard, searching for trees to pick, is not unlike hiking. Climbing trees in search of the perfect apples is great work for your arms and legs. Plus it's fun! Carrying bags of apples out of the orchard works your arms. Picking your own apples is a workout with a tangible reward at the end — apples and lots of them.

Pack a lunch and you can have a romantic picnic with your honey. Picnicking and picking apples is also a great activity for children of all ages. My nimble 5-year-old is an expert at climbing trees and loves the challenge.

Check out this listing by state of orchards and farms where you can pick your own apples, fruits and veggies.

At a loss of what to do with all your apples? Check out all the apple recipes over at YumSugar.

Bonus points if you tell me in the comments section below what movie the following quote comes from: "How do you like them apples?"

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Get Physical: Playground Workout

FitSugar — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Your local playground is not just for child's play; it is a workout waiting to happen, and a fun one at that. If you happen to have kids and they drag you to the park. Don't sit idly by, try some of these moves. If you don't have a kid, just go and have fun and remember to share the monkey bars with the wee ones.

On the swing: Instead of using your legs to pump, hold your legs straight out in front of you. Not only will this target your abs, but you'll use the muscles in your arms and back to keep up your swinging momentum.
On a bench: Do tricep dips.
On the monkey bars: You may be too tall, so hold onto the first bar and use your abs and quads to bend your knees and lift them up off the ground. Then one at a time, move your hands across the bars to get to the other end. This is a killer upper body workout.

For more ideas

Get Physical: Go Pedal Boating

FitSugar — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Pedaling for exercise isn't limited to just biking. You can pedal around a lake with your boo in a rented pedal boat. The two of you can work your legs and burn some calories, too. It is a fun workout and being out on the water is sure to have a calming effect on both of you. It's just as easy as pedaling a bike, but you sit side by side so you both have a nice view (unlike a tandem bike).The seating arrangement is more conversational as well. If your workout makes you sweat, you can just jump into a the lake to cool off. You'll still be burning calories and toning your muscles while swimming and treading water. If you live near a lake or are visiting one this Summer, renting a pedal boat is fairly inexpensive (less than $40 for three hours), but it's totally worth it. Just make sure you have enough energy to pedal back to shore!

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Get Physical: Pick Your Own Berries

FitSugar — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 02:30:00 -0700

Raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries – these tasty fruits are one of my favorite things about Summer. For a weekend adventure that is fun for the entire family, I like to go berry picking. Not only do I feel that it's important for my girls to see where food actually comes from, it is also a fun and physical activity. In fact, a 130 pound woman will burn 118 calories in an hour picking berries with moderate effort. Plus it tires out the kids, ensuring long weekend naps – every parent's dream.

To find a farm near you that lets you harvest your own fruit, visit the Pick Your Own website. The easiest search method is to click on your state and scroll down the page to the state map. Then just click on the county you live in to find a local farm.

For a few tips on berry picking

Get Physical: Go Out For a Night of Dancing

FitSugar — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 03:30:00 -0700

Who says your workouts have to be at the gym or when the sun is shining? You can exercise into the night too. Since we all tend to stay up late on the weekends anyway, grab a friend or your partner and go out for a night of dancing. I'm not saying you have to go clubbing till 3 a.m., but it's a great way to spend your time for an hour or two after dinner (it sure beats sitting on the couch). You'll work your entire body, especially your hips, quads, and booty. Not only that, but one hour of dancing burns 266 calories. What a fun way to burn off that late night slice of pizza.

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Get Physical: Time to Hit the Driving Range

FitSugar — Sun, 18 May 2008 03:30:00 -0700

Whether you're into playing a round of 18 holes or not, hitting some golf balls at the driving range can be fun for anyone. It's a great activity to do on the weekend with your partner, since it doesn't require a big investment of time or money. It is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and hit something with all your might.

Most golf courses have a separate driving range where you can perfect your swing, and often you don't need to be a member of the club to use it. A jumbo basket of balls only costs about $10; talk about a cheap date. If you don't own your own set of clubs, most courses have loaner sets.

If you've never played golf in your life, the driving range is a great place to start – it is the gateway drug to the game. I love practicing my swing because it's a great upper body workout. It is quite satisfying to see how far you can hit the ball. Fore!

Get Physical: At Home Partner Circuits

FitSugar — Sun, 04 May 2008 02:30:00 -0700

Everyone has a bit more time on the weekends, so it should be easier to rope in a buddy to do alternating cardio circuits with you. Exercising with a friend can not only keep you on track, but it doubles the fun too. Here's how to create a circuit plan for you and your buddy.

Create a plan by picking a type, or types if you're so inclined, of cardio and a time limit – somewhere between two minutes and five minutes works best.
At home, I have an elliptical so we use it for our alternating cardio times (plus it acts as our timer), but you could use a wide variety of cardio elements to alternate with your strength training moves. Here are a few examples:
- Jumping rope (or pretending to if you don't have the rope).
- Running around the block, or to the corner and back.
- Step ups onto a stair, stool, or chair.
- Jumping jacks
- Climbing stairs

There's a bit more to planning, so

Get Physical: Hit Some Balls

FitSugar — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 02:00:00 -0700

If you have a hard time getting your significant other to exercise, suggest hitting some balls together. Since this is more of a game than a workout, he or she will be more likely to go and play. Plus if he is a fan of watching baseball or softball on TV, he'll probably be psyched that you want to play.

If you're new to the whole bat and ball idea, pick up a plastic bat and some wiffle balls, soft baseballs or foam softballs. They'll move slower so you'll have more luck hitting them. If you've hit some balls in your lifetime, go ahead and buy a wooden bat and a few real baseballs or softballs.

Visiting the batting cages is really fun too. For a few bucks, you can work on your hand-eye coordination, strengthen your upper body, and have a few laughs when you or your honey misses the ball.

Fit's Tips: If you're both really into it, see if there is a co-ed baseball, wiffle ball, or softball league in your area. Not only will you meet some fellow active people, but it's a great way for you two to get into a schedule of working out together.

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Get Physical: Wander Around a Museum

FitSugar — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 03:00:00 -0700

The unpredictable rain showers of April can disrupt well laid plans for all sorts of physical activities. One great way to get out and have an adventure during inclement weather is wander around a museum. Any kind of museum will do – art, history, science, or even an aquarium.

Walking around a museum is not the most strenuous of activity, but it will get you off the couch and out into the world. It is a great way to spend time with your honey, or with your entire family. Plus, chasing a wild child through the halls of a museum will certainly get your heart rate up; this I know from experience. Strolling for a couple of hours is good for your system and skip the elevator at the museum and take the stairs for a little extra fitness kick. Don't forget to wear your pedometer so you can see how many steps you added to your day. I also advise you to bring your own water and snacks. The restaurants at many museums offer many tempting treats, but stick to a handful of nuts to re-energize yourself before tackling the Impressionist collection or the exhibit on the Civil War.

Not sure what you are interested in viewing, check out this list of museums by state.

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Get Physical: Valentine's Day Roundup

FitSugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 13:30:00 -0800

Since Valentine's Day is approaching, why not try and get moving with someone special? My husband and I have had some fabulous talks on Saturday morning runs, and we've never laughed so hard as when we took a bikram yoga class together. Spice things up by getting physical with the love of your life in the bedroom and out. I already have many ways to get moving together so check out my Get Physical Roundup for new ideas to burn a few extra calories this Valentine's Day and beyond.

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Get Physical: Go Cross Country Skiing

FitSugar — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 03:30:00 -0800

If you live in a place where Winter means snow, you've got to get out and cross country ski with your honey. Just like snowshoeing, cross country skiing is great because it doesn't require a ski lift so it's fairly inexpensive. Anywhere that's snowy and flat is a great place to cross country ski, so you can get away from crowds and have some special time on a trail or field. Since you can control the place, you can swish along next to each other and carry on a conversation.
Cross country skiing is also a great form of exercise, so it's great if you're trying to get your significant other to work out more.

If you don't own your own boots, skis and poles, you can rent the equipment for about $15 a day from a gear store, ski resort or nature center. If you use a public trail, you'll probably have to pay a fee of about $15, but it's totally worth it since the trails are marked and groomed. You'll have so much fun playing in the snow, just make sure to dress appropriately, pack some snacks, water, and a camera so you can capture your snowy memories.

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Get Physical: Kickbox With Your Honey

FitSugar — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 03:30:00 -0800

One of my favorite ways to burn off some serious calories with my hubby is by kickboxing and it looks like Tori Spelling and husband Dean McDermott feel the same way. (Sidenote: Didn't she just have a baby? She looks amazing!)

Kickboxing is part boxing, part martial arts and part aerobics all in one. Not only is it a blast, but it also uses the muscles of the upper body, lower body, and core, which means you're working a lot of muscles in a little time. It's a great exercise to do with someone else because you can practice your jabs, cross-punches and roundhouses with (and on) someone else. What's more? A 150 pound woman can burn 700 calories per hour with a vigorous session of kickboxing. So do it just the two of you, rent a DVD, or sign up for a class. It happens to be one of the only classes I can get my husband to join me in — apparently the words "kick" and "boxing" add enough masculinity to cancel out the far less masculine words "group class." I love Tori's pink boxing gloves, too. I may have to upgrade from my mini pink glove on my key chain.

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Get Physical: Dance Your Way Into 2008

FitSugar — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 03:30:00 -0800

New Year's Eve is on Monday and what better chance is there to burn calories while having fun by dancing the night away? Starting this weekend and moving into early next week, there will be a lot of dancing going on. So grab a partner and hit the dance floor — you're bound to burn a ton of calories and have a blast while doing it.

Activity	Calories Burned Per Hour
Ballroom (slow)	207
Ballroom (fast)	378
Disco	394
Twist	326
Swing	306
Hip Hop	465
General	306

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Get Physical: Snowshoe

FitSugar — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 03:30:00 -0800

Looking for an easy way to relieve holiday stress? Snowshoeing is one of my favorite things to do in the Winter because it's much cheaper than skiing or riding. It's also more fun to do with someone else, because since you're moving at a walking pace, you'll still be able to chat and laugh together. You can either rent a pair for about $10 a day, or buy your own (about $150), and wherever there is fluffy snow and room to walk, you can snowshoe.

If you're new to snowshoeing, stick to flat trails in the woods. If you are more athletic and want more of a workout, you can snowshoe up mountain trails that you normally hike in the Summer. Just be sure to bring a set of poles along to help you get up icy or steep terrain. Dress in warm layers so you can peel them off if you get hot, and be sure that your outer layer is water-resistant and wind proof. Pack some water and snacks and enjoy the peace and quiet of Winter.

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Get Physical: Play in the Snow

FitSugar — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 03:30:00 -0800

A lot of us are fortunate enough to have snow on the ground this holiday season. So instead of sitting inside and watching it fall, take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the snow with friends, have fun with family, and burn a bunch of calories while doing it, too!

Activity	Calories Burned
Building a Snowman	285 calories burned per hour
Having a Snowball Fight	319 calories burned per hour
Making Snow Angels	214 calories burned per hour

So skip the gym this weekend, instead grab your honey, best friend or grandmother and play in the snow. If you're curious about other activities, here is list of snow sports that are a little bit more demanding, and how many calories they burn.

*All above calculations are based on a 150 lb. person.

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Get Physical: Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

FitSugar — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 03:30:00 -0800

'Tis the season for Christmas trees, and why not cut your own and make getting the tree part of the adventure of Christmas? Heading to a Christmas tree farm is a fun way to get outside and get some exercise. Cutting and hauling your perfect fir will burn some calories too! For twenty minutes worth of effort, you will burn about 120 calories. Here is a great website for finding and cutting your own tree: Pick Your Own Christmas Tree.

Now if cutting down a tree for the Christmas season is not your style, you can buy a live tree to plant later. Digging a big hole after Christmas will burn some calories too. Say your average Christmas tree is a little over six feet tall, it would probably take you about 40 minutes to plant it. According to the iVillage calorie calculator, you would burn around 150 calories!

Either way you go with your tree, you are going to have to get physical! Happy decorating.

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Get Physical: Indoor Ice Skating

FitSugar — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:30:00 -0800

Winter is hitting a lot of people across the US, but it's not quite cold enough to ice skate outdoors on a pond or lake.

So why not take a visit to your nearby indoor ice-skating rink this weekend? Many places have ice skates you can rent if you don't have a pair of your own. Just call to find out how much it is to rent and find out what times the rink is open for public skating. You can hold your partner's hand to keep each other from falling, and have a ton of fun working your lower body and practicing your balance. Ice skating is a fun way to stay active and enjoy Winter. What's more? An 130-lb. person can burn upwards of 300 calories during an hour of ice skating.

Fit's Tips: Need a little inspiration? Check out this trailer for Blades of Glory.

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Get Physical: Deep Clean Your Home

FitSugar — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 03:30:00 -0800

Deep cleaning is not just for Spring. I also like to scrub my house down before Winter sets in. It is inevitable that you’re going to be spending more time inside, and it's nice to hang out in a clean house. It is great idea to get the dust out from those hidden spots you rarely sweep or dust, as is scrubbing down the walls and windowsills to get rid of any mold that might be growing. Cleaning up those common allergens can help reduce allergy symptoms, which is always a good thing.

So rally your partner, your hubby, or your house-mate and clean up your living space. Make your home a place you want to hang out. Make you house cozy.

To see how many calories you can burn cleaning, just

Get Physical: Walk Dogs at a Local Animal Shelter

FitSugar — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 03:30:00 -0800

At the humane society near my home, they're always looking for volunteers. Since I have such a soft spot in my heart for animals, like my pal PetSugar, I was checking out ways to help out and saw the perfect job.

You and your significant other can volunteer as dog walkers. You usually have to have some kind of orientation first, but then after that you can show up and take the dogs that are waiting to be adopted for a walk whenever you want. It gives you both some exercise, and it also helps the dogs feel more at ease when socializing with humans.

Animal shelters appreciate your help, and the dogs appreciate getting out of their tiny stall and into the fresh air where they can run around. It'll have a huge impact on the dogs you walk, and you'll feel good getting outside and running around, too.

Fit's Tips: Some shelters are closed on Sundays so call ahead to find out when they're open.

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Get Physical: Wander Around a Street Fair

FitSugar — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 03:30:00 -0700

I love a good street fair. They are a great opportunity for me and my husband (and the kids) to get out of the house, walk around, and pick up a few goodies. As the gift giving season comes upon us, I love going to festivals and fairs to find unique gifts for my family and friends. Besides the fun factor of finding random treasures for yourself and others, you can burn upwards of 380* calories from walking around a street fair for about two hours. It's not a ton, but it's better than sitting on the couch, and you'll also be logging in steps so that you can reach your goal of 10,000 steps per day.

Street fairs are happening all of the time, and holiday themed ones are on the horizon, so be sure to check your local listings for festivals and fairs near you.

Fit's Tip: Be sure to watch any foods you eat while wandering a street fair, since one deep fried Twinkie will leave you in a surplus of calories, despite all the walking you've done.

*Based on a 150 pound person.

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Get Physical: Urban Hiking

FitSugar — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 03:30:00 -0700

When you're traveling in a foreign city you typically explore it by walking. You stumble onto some hidden gems down narrow side streets, and you burn a considerable amount of calories while you are at it. Why not be a tourist in your own town and head out for an adventure on foot and do some urban hiking?

Instead of driving out of town to find a trail, keep your carbon footprint small for the day and head out your own front door for a hike. I would still pack all the hiking essentials: water, snacks, and layers depending on the weather. When hiking about town, sometimes I like to just wander with no particular destination in mind. I just head out in a certain direction and allow myself to be drawn from point of interest to point of interest. Other times, I have a specific destination, like a restaurant, park or museum and I make the journey part of the adventure.

Urban hiking is perfect for holding hands with your honey, since sidewalks are wider than most trails. Plus, when you return home you can map your walk online and see how many miles you walked. I did a lot of urban hiking before having children, but this is definitely something that works well as a couple or with the entire family.

So if you can't get out of Dodge, you can still hike with your honey.

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Get Physical: Leaf Peep While You Hike

FitSugar — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Hiking is a great way to get some exercise with your honey, all while enjoying the gorgeous views of autumn leaves. It's a great form of exercise since you're working your muscles and breathing heavy. Plus, if the trail is steep, you get to use your arms as well, so it works your upper body too.

If you don't live in an area that gets brilliant foliage, then you and your honey should try to go leaf peeping —photographing and viewing the fall foliage— somewhere else. Check out this list of the Top 100 Trails in North America. The list shows trails in just about every state, which means you're sure to find one near you (or near where you'll be visiting).

Be sure to pack extra layers since it can get chilly and windy towards the summit. Wear hiking boots that protect your ankles, and have sturdy soles since the ground can get really slippery in the fall. Of course don't forget snacks, water, and a camera too, since the views are spectacular once you reach the top.

Fit's Tips: Does trekking it back downhill hurt your knees? Check out these great tips for protecting your knees while hiking downhill.

Get Physical: Run Stairs Together

FitSugar — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Ever since seeing John Mayer running stairs, I have become a bit obsessed with running them myself. So yesterday, my husband and I took on the stairs at the park together.

We set the clock for 30 minutes. I went up and down first, then as soon as I got to the bottom, he went. When he got to the bottom, I went again and so on. This way we were a little competitive with each other, but not so much that we were tripping and falling down the stairs (which would happen if we were running against each other). We each got about a minute and a half of rest between turns so it worked perfectly. I was thrilled to get my husband doing something else other than just running and weights, and he liked pushing me to go one more time.

At the end, we gave each other a big high-five (no joke) and we were pleased with ourselves the rest of the night. It was a great workout and something that is much more fun to do with another person, especially if you are like me and can easily talk yourself out of going up and down one more time.

So grab your husband or a friend and take on the stairs together.

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Get Physical: Go Apple Picking

FitSugar — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 03:30:00 -0700

I love a brisk fall day. The cooling temperatures are a pleasant reminder of the unpleasant weather to come. The inclement winter weather keeps many of us inside, so now is the time to get physical outdoors.

One of my favorite ways to spend time outside during the fall season is by picking apples! Walking through the orchard to find which tree to pick is a similar activity to hiking. Climbing trees in search of the perfect apples is great work for your arms and legs, plus it's fun! Carrying bags of apples out of the orchard is a great way to challenge your arm strength. Picking your own apples is a workout with a tangible reward at the end – apples and lots of them.

Pack a lunch and you can have a romantic picnic with your honey. Picnicking and picking apples is also a great activity for children of all ages. My nimble 4 1/2 year old is an expert at climbing trees and loves the challenge.

Check out this listing by state of orchards and farms where you can pick your own apples, fruits and veggies.

At a loss of what to do with all your apples? Check out Yum's tasty recipe for apple crisp!

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Get Physical: Salsa Dance Lessons

FitSugar — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Looking for a fun way to exercise and connect with your friend or lover? Why not sign up for Salsa Dance lessons? I recently took a lesson with my hubby, and I swear it was the most fun I've had in a long time. Plus it's always so exciting to learn something new. Salsa dancing makes you feel beautiful and sexy, and the next morning my hips were sorer than when I do a 3-hour hike!

Depending on the studio, classes are offered during the day, in the evenings, during the week and on the weekends. You can sign up for private or group Salsa lessons. Private lessons are a little bit more expensive, but you'll get some major one on one time. You'll be able to go at your own pace, which means you'll probably perfect your moves faster. If you feel self-conscious or nervous, a group lesson might work better for you, so you can blend in with the crowd. Plus the energy of the group can be very inspirational.

In your first lesson, you'll most likely learn basic front, back and side steps. You'll learn these alone and with a partner. You'll also learn how to do turns and maybe some other fancier steps.

Some places offer a Salsa dance package where you pay a fee for a bunch of lessons. This is a great deal, since it motivates you to go once a week consistently. That way you're guaranteed to have a special date with your favorite person, and it's a great way to get you both moving.

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Get Physical: Take an Exercise Class Together

FitSugar — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 03:30:00 -0700

One thing I used to never be able to get my husband to do with me was to take a group exercise class. Saturday mornings we head to our gym and I join whatever the group class of the day is, and my husband goes in the opposite direction and hits the gym floor.

Last week, I convinced him (well I actually bribed him, but you know how it goes) to attend a class with me. We decided to go to a class I had never been to so we'd both be novices. The only class available at the time we wanted was Beginners Step I, perfect.

I can honestly say I have never laughed so hard in my life. Not only did I get a fabulous workout from all the stepping (and turning and kicking), but from all the laughing too. I am sure the instructor was a bit frustrated with us, but we were actually trying, it's just that my husband lacks the ability to step to a beat. So you can imagine the humor in watching him in a step class, where the whole premise is stepping to the beat.

I am not sure I'll ever get him back into a step class, but maybe boot camp or something a little better for his ego. Most importantly we had a blast together while working out, and we're still laughing about it now.

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Get Physical: The Push Up Challenge

FitSugar — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Next time you are watching TV with your honey or a friend, try this fun way to workout during the commercial break - I call it the push-up challenge. It takes at least 2 people since you switch off, but there is no reason you couldn't include more people in the challenge.

Here's how to do it:

You simply hold the plank position while your buddy does three push-ups. Then switch roles. Keep alternating in this fashion for the entire commercial break. Really! It is fun and it keeps you moving.

The benefits:

Builds a sense of camaraderie.
Builds upper body strength.
Keep you from becoming a total couch potato.

Fit's Tip: If you want to do the unmodified push-up, meaning not on your knees, you actually have to do "real" push-ups, even though they are hard and really suck.

Get Physical: How Bout Some Wiffle Ball?

FitSugar — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Since baseball season is in full gear, why not get outside and hit some wiffle balls? It's fun, easy to play, and sure to relieve some stress (laughing at yourself is the best part).

One great thing about this "sport" is that the equipment has to be just about the cheapest on the planet -- The ball and bat cost $4.25 through Amazon. Another great thing - a dinky wiffle ball can't cause nearly as much damage (to people and windows) as a dense baseball. Plus you can play with only 2 people - you and your honey.

The most fun part is trying to hit the ball, so you can just take turns pitching and swinging, or if you're really into it, you can make lines on the field. I just use cones or jump ropes that designate Single, Double, Triple, and Home Run. So every time the person hits the ball, you can keep track of where the "runners" are on the bases. I also like to use a chalkboard to help me remember.

Of course, if you want to play with more people, or you want to get more exercise, you can set up bases and actually run around them. It's up to you. Either way, I always end up having a great time. Plus wiffle ball is all about hand-eye-coordination, so it doesn't take much muscle power. That means you very well could beat your friend or lover in a friendly game of wiffle ball.

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Get Physical: Take a Bath Together

FitSugar — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 03:30:00 -0700

After taking to the streets for a nice jog (or walk) together, you may even want to hit the showers together too!

According to new research from the Rheingold Institut in Germany, couples that bathe together from time to time have a deeper connection with their partners than those who only bathe solo.

But just before you have your romantic moment together, how about a sit-up contest to see who has to clean the bathroom when you're done bathing? Whoever does the most in one minute skips the clean up!

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Get Physical: Couples Boxing

FitSugar — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Boxing, for the ladies, is definitely "hip" right now. If you and your man want to push the envelope and your comfort zone, take a look at coed/couples boxing as a way to get physical together. You can master your left hook, your jab and your trust issues all in the ring.

Setting boundaries is an important part of any loving relationship, and rules are equally important when a couple enters the ring. Safety rules that dictate how coed pairs fight vary from gym to gym, and couple to couple. At some gyms, women are allowed to hit much harder than their male sparring partners. In other gyms, men are not allowed to hit women at all. It might seem like the men are getting the short end of the workout stick since they are not fighting to their full potential, but men definitely get a workout as they bob and weave defensively.

The actual punching time in the ring is just one part of the workout. Like all good boxing regimens, there are multiple elements to training for coed boxing - think Rocky and Million Dollar Baby. There is jumping rope, speed drills, bag punching and strength training.

If you don't want to spar with your man, you can still take coed boxing classes with him. Many gyms offer coed classes with only same sex sparring at the end of the workout. You can exercise together, hitting punching bags side by side and cheering each other on, but never enter the ring together.

If working out in the ring sounds like fun to you check out this directory at Boxing Gyms for a boxing gym near you. Remember keep it clean and have fun, but don't knock yourself out.

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Get Physical: Quadribent Side-by-Side Recumbent Bike

FitSugar — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 03:30:00 -0700

When I have to get somewhere on my bike, I love traveling solo. When I'm going for a long, scenic bike ride for exercise, I must have someone with me, for conversation, and for safety.

If you love the ease and comfort of riding a recumbent bike, you've got to check out this 2-person quadribent side-by-side recumbent bike. Talk about riding together. This tandem recumbent bike is so much better than the kinds that are one right in back of the other. With this quadribent, you can sit right next to your friend, pedal away while being able to have a conversation and seeing each other.

The 4-wheeled design makes this super stable and the recumbent position allows your head to be up, to eliminate neck, shoulder and lower back pain. Co-Captain steering allows either rider to pilot the vehicle and the dual-drive allows people with different physical abilities to ride together with either rider generating from 0 to 100% of the power. This way you can pedal together, or take turns if one of you gets tired. If you are riding with your child, you can do all the work.

You can either buy this quadribent from Blackbirdbikes.com ($1,949) or if you already own 2 separate recumbent bikes, you can buy a conversion kit ($649) to attach them. If you don't want to spend that much moolah, you might be able to rent one from your local bike shop, or buy a used one. Either way, this bike is a whole lot of fun.

Get Physical: Plan a Day Outdoors

FitSugar — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 03:30:00 -0700

If you're like most everyone with a 9-5 job, chances are that you spend a good majority of the day breathing the stale air of your office. On the weekend, take advantage of not having to be in the office by forcing yourself to stay outdoors for the entire day. Recruit your husband, boyfriend or best friend to join you so you don't get bored (or cheat).

Aside from the fresh air and change of scenery (literally), the best thing that comes out of planning a day outside is that outside activities typically burn a lot more calories than the sedentary indoor lifestyle.

So take a walk. Go for a hike or bike ride. Walk your dog. Play tennis or golf. Wash your car. Visit that outdoor mall or nearby town you've been meaning to peruse. Garden. Go to the zoo or the botanical gardens. Go to the beach or pool and actually swim. Better yet, learn how to surf. Pack a healthy picnic. Even if you and your partner in crime opt to just sit at a park and read books, you both still have to get off the couch to get there. Be sure to bring along a Frisbee in case you feel inspired by others getting moving at the park.

My husband and I actually do this every so often. We always find a ton of things to occupy our time and we always feel like we've had a really full day. I promise you'll be amazed at how tired you'll feel... Sure they say that all the fresh air makes you tired, but I'm willing to bet it's also because you end up moving a lot more when you force yourself to stay outside for five or more hours.

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Get Physical: Garden

FitSugar — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 03:30:00 -0700

I love gardening! It is a great reason to spend time outside and play in the dirt, plus it can be really physical. While I find gardening alone meditative, getting the entire family involved in yard work is not only more fun, but it is also more productive.

Here are a few similarities I see in gardening and gym time:

Digging holes and turning compost feels like lifting weights.
Raking feels an awful lot like a rowing machine.
Pushing a lawnmower is similar to walking on a treadmill.
Pruning with loppers is a serious arm workout.
Weeding and lunges seem like a match made in heaven - remember to bend at your hips and not round your low back!

Vigorous gardening can burn anywhere from 200 to 350 calories (depending on your weight and how intensely you are removing dandelions from your yard). In the summer heat, I like to get my gardening done in the cool morning and then head to the pool for some cool playtime with the girls.

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Get Physical: Play Frisbee

FitSugar — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Working out doesn't always have to be something you dread, in fact it should really be something you love to do. It doesn't have to be dull and repetitive and it doesn't have to make you sweat. Throwing the old disk around is one of those things that works your muscles and your heart without you even realizing it, since you're having so much fun.

Grab your boyfriend or girlfriend, your dog (if you have one) or some pals and head on down to a beach, a park or someone's big backyard. Bring along a frisbee and start passing it around. If you get a whole group of people together, you can play a game of Ultimate Frisbee.

Throwing the frisbee around works your upper body. Your core gets a workout too, since you're twisting your torso every time you throw. When someone throws the disk to you, you'll end up running, diving, and leaping for it which will work your leg muscles and your heart. If you end up missing the catch (which is bound to happen), you'll end up laughing your butt off, which works your abs and relieves stress.

Playing regular frisbee for 30 minutes burns around 150 -170 calories and Ultimate Frisbee burns 230-250 calories. That's a lot considering playing frisbee is mostly about laughing and having a good time.

Fit's Tips: A frisbee is a great thing to pack along for your next BBQ. Why sit around and chomp down chips and dip while you're waiting for the burgers or veggie burgers to cook, when you can work up an appetite by tossing the disk.

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Get Physical: Toss Around a Medicine Ball

FitSugar — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 03:30:00 -0700

A great way for you to get a good workout in with a partner is by using a medicine ball - a weighted fitness ball. There are a lot of great exercises that you can't do on your own and this way you are both getting a workout.

Here are some things my husband and I do with a 8 pound ball:

Medicine Ball Back to Backs (pictured above): Stand back to back with your partner. Pass the ball to each other by twisting side to side, ball at stomach height. Do this for about 2 minutes as fast as you can go, then rest. Repeat once more but pass the pall in the other direction.

There's more ideas, so

Post Honeymoon: Still Get Physical

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:15:00 -0700

Yes, here on the Sugar Network we are wrapping up our wedding coverage. The honeymoon may be over, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't get physical with your honey.

Now that you are settling back into "real-life" and life as a married couple, I suggest scheduling some exercise time together. In fact spouses can inspire healthy habits in their mate. From experience I would say nagging is not the way to go - it is annoying and not so effective. Instead you and your spouse should workout together and there are so many ways for the two of you to get physical.

You can bike together and really go all out in your new super cuteness as newlyweds and ride a tandem bike. There are also the classic outings for pairs like jogging, hiking, and tennis. Don't feel like you have to limit yourself to these, experiment with different activities like Salsa dancing, rock climbing, or tandem yoga poses like the airplane. After an invigorating workout you can give each other massages.

If exercising as a couple is new to you, these tips on how to exercise with a partner will be helpful to you. Remember all good marriages are based on these principles: love, honor and negotiation. OK - I read that on an appliquéd pillow somewhere, but it is really true.

Best wishes!!!!

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Get Physical: Tennis Anyone?

FitSugar — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 03:00:00 -0700

Tennis is a great game to play with your sweetheart or best friend because even when you have nothing, you still have love. Awww. One of the reasons I like tennis so much is it takes only 2 people to play, but you can always go for doubles and play a match with 4 people on the court.

You also don't have to play a "match" - you have other options too. Since serving can be so tedious some days, you can just volley and practice your shots. Plus without having to stop and wait for your partner to serve, you both will stay in motion more for longer periods of time. And that means more exercise!

I also like playing using the no "out-of-bounds" rule and "play with multiple bounce" rule. These two slight modifications will keep you moving as well. It can be hard to keep the little ball in court if you haven't quite figured out how to control the strength of your hit with a little spin. It can be hard to get to those little balls on just one bounce. When you do run out of tennis balls to hit, don't walk - run to gather up all your stray balls. Again, more calories burned.

Many cities and towns have public courts, so you shouldn't be too hard pressed to find a place to play. If you'd like a few more tips check out my tips for the Novice Tennis Player. They should help you find the love of the game.

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Get Physical: Go Parasailing in Pairs!

FitSugar — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Love the idea of skydiving, but you're too scared to try? Parasailing gives you the sensation that you're flying, without having to jump out of a moving plane. Plus you can do it with a friend.

Basically you and your friend wear harnesses that are hitched to a parachute called a Parasail. The harness is then connected to a motorboat through a wound-up rope.

You and your parasailing partner stand at the back of the boat and as the boat starts moving, the wind catches the Parasail and inflates it. The rope is slowly let out, and you are both lifted higher and higher up into the air. When your "flying" time is over, you will be "reeled" back in towards the boat.

Not only is flying above the water beautiful, sharing that kind of exhilarating experience with someone you care about is bound to bring you closer together. Parasailing in pairs costs $40-60 a person, and I think it's totally worth it.

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Get Physical: Alternate Planning

FitSugar — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Just as running the same path by yourself day after day can get pretty boring, running the same path with your significant other can be equally as boring. We all tend to like routine because it is easy, but routine gets us into a rut, even when we're with someone else.

Next time you and and your husband (boyfriend, friend or whoever you like to workout with) take on exercising together, take turns making a seven day plan.

Here is what my husband and I do:
Day One: He chooses the route we run.
Day Two: I choose the route we run.
Day Three: He picks a mode (running, biking, etc) to do for an hour or so.
Day Four: I pick the mode we do for an hour or so.
Day Five: He picks a relaxing activity.
Day Six: I pick a relaxing activity.
Day Seven: We get to tell each other what to do for 30 minutes straight. For example, I always make my husband do a set (or two) of lunges because he would never do them on his own. He thinks it's a good idea for me to do pull-ups, something I would never do on my own.
The only rules are: It has to be fair, it has to be physical and it the other person has to do it.

We tend to get competitive to see who can come up with the best ideas, which means things are always interesting. Also, we tend to keep our ideas a surprise until that day. This way neither of us can complain about what the other person has chosen.

Get Physical: Exercise with a Partner

FitSugar — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 03:30:00 -0700

We would all like our partners in crime, be they husbands, boyfriends, house mates, best friends, siblings - to also be our partners in fitness. Working out with a partner generally helps to keep folks on track and makes us all less likely to skip a workout.

Here are a few things to consider when planning how to get physical with a partner.

Common Interests: Look for an activity you both enjoy: hiking, sailing, team sports - there are lots of co-ed leagues out there.
Look for new adventures: Explore new ways to exercise that neither of you have every really done before. This will keep you on equal footing. Take a tennis lesson or learn to cha-cha.
Think outside your box: Both of you need to be willing to try new activities - all partnerships are a give and take. Play golf one week and the next try a double kayak aquatic adventure. The possibilities are endless once you get off the couch.
Get classy: Group classes from spinning to Pilates offer both a group and personal experience. You can work at your individual level while enjoying an activity together.
Just do IT: Sign up for a charity walk or run, move at your separate paces and hook up at the finish line. Simply heading to the gym together is a great option. Spot each other lifting free weights or just do you own thing separately. The good new is you made it to the gym.

Get Physical: A Hilarious Game of Badminton

FitSugar — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 03:00:00 -0700

I don't know what it is about playing badminton, but that game is just so funny to me. I love the dinky racquets, the flimsy net and of course the shuttlecock (I call it a birdy) - it seems to have a mind of its own!

The game is pretty simple. All you need is 1 net, 1 birdy, 2-4 rackets, and 2-4 players. After you set the net up, you try hitting the birdy over the net, and your opponent hits it back to you.

Badminton is actually an Olympic Sport, so there are specific rules that go along with the game. I think it's more fun to see how many times we can volley back and forth before the birdy touches the ground.

This game is great for all ages since it's easy and fun, there isn't much equipment, and you don't have to worry about seriously getting injured. It does require some hand-eye coordination skills, moderate leaping, acute agility, and lightning speed to run and hit the birdy over the net. I'll tell you though - I end up working my core muscles more than anything from falling to the ground and laughing so hard, but that's just me.

Fit's Tips: You can purchase a badminton set (Amazon, $24.95) that comes with a carrying case so you can bring it along the next time you go to the beach, park, or a BBQ. That way you can fit in a little exercise in between all the eating and drinking.

Want to see a picture of the badminton set? Then

Get Physical: Indoor Rock Climbing

FitSugar — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Want to try rock climbing but can't bear the summer heat? (Before it was the cold weather that moved you inside, now it may also be the hot weather.)

Then this weekend, grab a partner (your husband, your best friend, etc) and head over to an indoor rock climbing wall/center. It's a great thing to do with someone else because rock climbing typically requires having at least two people, a belayer (the person holding the rope at the bottom) and a climber (the person climbing) to participate. You can always opt to have a staff member of the gym balay for you, but I don't always feel comfortable having a stranger ~~stare at my butt~~ watch me while I climb-up the wall.

I especially love rock climbing because of how amazing it is for strengthening my upper body and legs. My husband loves it because of how macho he feels if he beats my time up the wall. We, like everything physical we do together, make a competition out of it -- First person who loses their grip on the wall does the dishes or makes the bed for a week. Nine out of ten times he loses, with his need for speed rather than thinking about his next move (I like to carefully think about my next move), but he's always willing to take on the competition.

Now, belay on.

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Get Physical: Tandem Biking

FitSugar — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 02:30:00 -0700

When you bike with your man does he have trouble keeping up with you? Well, I have a solution - a tandem bike. If you are on the same bike there is no playing catch up.

There is a certain amount of teamwork involved, so it is great for those team building skills. You can share the bike with just about anyone - husband, friend or child, but just make sure the larger rider is up front steering. This is important for handling and balancing a much longer bike, and this rider is known as captain. The person riding in back isn't getting a free ride, they provide constant pedal power and are known as the stroker.

Now if you do choose to venture off on a bicycle built for two, know ahead of time the communication between cyclists is very important. Since the stroker cannot see the road, it is the captain's job to warn the stroker of upcoming bumps in the road. The stroker must also leave the steering to the captain. Tandem biking is really equal part trust exercise and part fun. Definitely a little give and take.

If you are interested call up a local bike shop and see if they rent tandem bikes. Then make a date, make a picnic and head out on the road. Be sure to wear helmets (unlike the couple in the photo)!!!!

Get Physical: Hike With Your Honey

FitSugar — Mon, 28 May 2007 03:00:00 -0700

Springtime weather is perfect for going on a day hike with your favorite person. The mornings are still cool, so if you get an early start, you won't get too overheated.

Make sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, a waterproof shell (in case it rains), a fleece jacket (it can get cold and windy on the top of the mountain), a cell phone, a digital camera, and anything else you might want to bring. Pack it all in a lumbar pack and you're all set.

Now where to go? - that is the question. I found this great website - Check out Trail.com. Just type in your state or zip code, and they'll list the best hiking trails in that area. Go out for a day hike and be back in time for an evening BBQ. Sounds like a great way to spend the holiday weekend.

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Get Physical: Go For a Jog Together

FitSugar — Sun, 20 May 2007 02:30:00 -0700

I know this one seems relatively basic, but one of the best ways to get out and about with your partner-in-crime (husband, best friend, mom, etc) is by going for a good ol' jog. My husband loves running outside and so do I, but sometimes neither of us feel like going at it alone, especially on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon.

This weekend you and a partner should dust off the old running shoes and go for jog. This gives you the opportunity to chat about everything you missed in each other's lives during the week (plus then you can use the talk test to make sure you're keeping good pace). I like to make it a friendly competition with my husband. For example, the first person that wants to take a break and walk has to do the dishes after dinner for a whole week. Jogging is a fabulous calorie burner (130 lb woman can burn 590 calories/hour and 190 lb man can burn about 863 calories/hour) for everyone involved, not to mention a great way to check out your neighborhood. You'll both feel great that you've accomplished the run together, which makes it a great bonding activity too!

Fit's Tip: Bring the dog along to give everyone some much needed exercise. Is the jogging partner you want miles away? Well, there's always the option to jog virtually.

Get Physical: Give Blood, Give Life

FitSugar — Sat, 12 May 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Blood donations are always needed by the American Red Cross. For most people, it's really not a big deal to give, but it can mean life to someone in need. So why not bring your significant other with you, and you'll be making a difference together.

If you've never given blood before, here are some things you should know:

You must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 lbs, and have not donated blood in the last 8 weeks (56 days).
You should be healthy and sickness-free.
You will be interviewed before giving blood to make sure you qualify -they'll ask about your health history.
If you are taking antibiotics at the time, you can't give blood, but birth control pills are fine.
If you've recently had acupuncture, it's acceptable, as long as you have proof that the needles used were sterile. The same goes with body piercings - if you don't have proof, you must wait at least 12 months.

Wondering about if you have tattoos? To find out,

Get Physical: Batter Up!!!

FitSugar — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Now that baseball season has begun, why not hit some balls of your own? If you're looking for something different to do with your honey, how about a trip to the batting cages. It's great for working on your hand-eye coordination, your upper body, and a fun way to fine-tune your quick reflexes. When I miss the ball I end up laughing so hard that I miss the ball again, and end up laughing even more. Good times! And great ab work, the doubling over laughing part.

Most places will have a choice between hitting either baseballs or softballs. You can also choose the speed of your ball (if this is your first time, I suggest the slowest speed). You have to wear a helmet and only one person is allowed in the "cage" at a time. This is great because you can alternate taking pictures of each other.

Going to the batting cage is pretty cheap, and is usually priced by number of pitches. Prices vary between places, but you'll probably pay around $1 for every 10 balls. Some places will also let you pay a flat fee for a certain amount of time, such as $35 for every half hour.

Fit's Tips: If you're new to the batting cages, I'd start off with 20-30 pitches, and if you love it, you can always do more. Make sure to stretch out your shoulders, lower and upper back before swinging - you don't want to wake up all sore the next day.

Get Physical: Toss the Football Around

FitSugar — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 02:00:00 -0700

The weather is slowly turning into full blown spring and it's finally Saturday. It would be a real shame if you sat on your couch and watched any more TV today.

So, grab a partner and go outside! Don't know what to do once you get there? How about tossing a football around? I know it sounds a bit frat boy-esque, but playing catch is a great way to get outside, spend time with a friend or loved one, all while burning calories. A 130-pound woman will burn about 148 calories an hour leisurely tossing the football around. Want to get a bit more active? A 130-pound woman can burn up to 515 calories in a one hour game of touch football.

If your husband is anything like mine, he'll be über-excited at the opportunity to combine his three favorite loves: the outdoors, football and his wife. Heck, maybe you'll even get him to burn calories too. Nothing is better than pretending you don't know how to throw the ball exactly to him, and watching him run all over the place for it. Single? Grab a few of your girls for a day in the park. If you're looking for a man, you may just find one there, after all, we have seen many pictures of George Clooney throwing the ball around in the park recently. Plus, nothing is hotter than a bunch of girls tossing around the old pigskin.

Want to make sure you're really motivated to run and catch the ball? Pick up this Chanel football for your day in the park. Hike!

Bauer-Griffin

Get Physical: Family Yoga

FitSugar — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Doing yoga can be so much fun, especially when you do it with people you care about. Why not designate a half hour this weekend to practicing with your entire family? Ideally you should do it around 10:30 or 2:30, so you are in between mealtimes (yoga doesn't feel very good on a full or completely empty belly).

Pick a spot in your home or outside if weather permits so you all have enough space to move. You can set up mats if you have them, or just do the poses on a hard wood floor or carpet.

If you have experience going to yoga classes, just think of the poses you love to do, the ones that stretch and open, relax or energize, or the ones that are fun to try.

If you have younger kids in your family, make the poses more active. Bark like a dog in downward facing dog pose. "Ribbit" and leap like a frog in Squat pose. Make a forest when your entire family does Tree pose. Each person can practice being the wind and blowing the branches in the trees.

Kids also love being in charge, so you can play a game of "Simon Says" with yoga poses. At the end, when you lie down in Savasana to rest from all your hard work, you can take turns massaging each other's feet.

With a little creativity, you'll be doing yoga together and having fun in a healthy way.

Fit's Tips: Maybe yoga is new to you. If so, check out this incredible book called Playful Family Yoga for Kids, Parents, and Grandparents. It's actually out of print now, but you can get a copy through Amazon starting at $39.99. I love this book because it illustrates so many wonderful partner poses.

Get Physical: How About a Round of Golf?

FitSugar — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 05:00:00 -0700

This weekend, do something nice for your husband (and your body) and go see a golf tournament.

Recently my husband has convinced me to go see a few golf tournaments with him. At first I was reluctant because I anticipated that I would be sedentary and bored. However, a couple of months ago The Pebble Beach Pro AM was underway and I am a sucker for celebrity sightings so after much practice of my golf clap, on we went.

I was pleasantly surprised that I had a great time. Turns out, if you really want to see a gold tournament then you've got to walk from hole to hole. Before you know it, you've walked 18 holes and added a big number to your daily step count and the friendly competition between my husband and myself made the day really fun. Plus, he was thrilled that I was watching golf with him. Check out GolfOnline.com to see what tours are coming to a course near you.

From then on, we've made it a point to go see golf tournaments (if they are in town) together. If there are no good tours coming to town, then every now and again we will actually play a few holes ourselves. The course we usually go to does not allow carts, so we end up burning a lot of calories lugging our clubs around. I also really enjoy the driving range because it is less intimidating but still active. As spring approaches it's great to be outside and golf is a great way for you to enjoy it with your husband, your brother, your dad, and your family... anyone really. So, try it out!