Getting and staying in shape is better when you do it with friends! Working out doesn’t have to be a solo experience but sometimes even hitting the gym gets old and it can be hard to work out in a pair or group in a crowded fitness center. The great news is, you can find a ton of ways to be active with friends. Not sure where to begin? We’ve got seven fun ways to get started today.

1. Start a walking group. Set a place and time to meet up and walk the neighborhood or park at least 2-3 times per week with a goal of walking at least 20 minutes each session.
2. Start or join a recreational sports league. Ultimate frisbee, disc golf, softball, and dodgeball are just a few of the area recreational sports offered in our area. Don’t see your favorite sport on the list? Start your own league! All you need to get going is interest from a few friends. 
3. Organize weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly scavenger hunts. Not only is it a great way to have fun while being active, but it’s also a great way to bond with your friends and bring mutual friends closer. 
4. Head to the water park, lake, local swimming hole, or your friend’s pool. Swimming is a great way to exercise without breaking a sweat…if for no other reason than being in the water. Encourage your friends to do 20-30 minute water aerobics or races to make sure your swim time is active.
5. Do a charity run. From breast cancer research to supporting soldiers with PTSD, there’s a charity run for the cause you and your friends support. You can even support each other’s causes by participating in the runs they care about, too. 
6. Sign up for a fitness class together. From cross-fit to spin class, we’ve got a number of specialized fitness classes in our area. Find the one that best fits your group and sign up! If your group is afraid of a long-term commitment, start out by signing up for a six-week boot camp session at one of the local gyms. 
7. Start your own dance or yoga group. With today’s technology, you don’t have to be a Yogi or dance instructor extraordinaire. You simply need a screen and a great instructional video. You can find some energetic videos on YouTube completely free or you and your friends can chip in together for a subscription. Some programs even live-stream classes so you and your friends will feel like you’re really there with the instructor.