8 great outdoor fitness dates

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Physical activity and love have one great thing in common -- they both get the heart beating faster. So when you want to spend time with that someone special, why not plan it around good, old-fashioned exercise? Fitness dates give you the benefit of an automatic common ground to talk about -- especially on first dates. They give you an opportunity to learn about your partner's strengths (or weaknesses) around coordination and skill as well as their competitive spirit, sense of fair play, and even humility (if they're not so good at what you're doing). Fitness dates also inject a fabulous fun factor that can far exceed the standard coffee, movie or dinner date -- save those for wintertime get-togethers. Here are eight great summer fitness date ideas that can add a little spark (and a bit of sweat) to a budding or full-grown romance:

1. Take a lesson
Whether it's tennis, fly fishing, rollerblading or golf, private lessons (read: just the two of you and your coach) can be a fun way to while away your time together. Depending on your chosen activity, lessons can be as short as a half hour or take a half day or more. Lessons may not make the best-first-date list, but if your first date uncovered some common interests, why not jump on the bandwagon and offer up the suggestion to "take it to the next level" -- with both your relationship and your choice of activity?

Benefit: Once you've taken your lesson, you have one more thing in common that you're likely to be more excited about doing together.

2. Drive the point home
My first date with my boyfriend was at the driving range. We met, whacked a bucket or two of balls and had a great time chatting and laughing at our less than brilliant golf skills (sure, nervousness could have been a factor).

Benefit: Our time at the range was short enough (about 45 minutes) that if things hadn't gone well, we could have ended the date right there (very important for first dates). But since they did go well, we still had time to grab a bite and carry on the conversation … still laughing at our skill level and talking about taking lessons (remember number 1?).

3. Pick up the pace
If you're a runner, you'll naturally appreciate others who also run. There's no better way to get to know someone than during a meditative, low-skill activity like running. Sure, it's an old standby, but it has staying power for a reason. Active people want to be with other active people. Running gets us away from our work and life stress, and the simplicity of the activity makes it easy to multitask with real conversation. It's great for early stage dating because when you're running you're not facing each other, so the shyness factor decreases and the real you gets a chance to shine. Yes, the sweat factor is a little high, but to some that can be attractive …

4. Urban exploration
What could be more romantic than a leisurely stroll through the markets and streets in your area? Urban exploration allows for activity (walking) with a purpose -- seeing what you can stumble upon in the city. A friend of mine in Toronto and her mate regularly walk through Kensington Market, the shops on the Danforth, and other fun and funky neighbourhoods where they live. When they get hungry they choose a place to eat, rest awhile and then continue on their way. Sometimes it's an hour-long adventure; other times it fills a whole Saturday. Or what about an urban hike in one of your local parks? Parks offer more than what is often apparent to the eye … miles and miles of trail systems, hidden waterfalls, even wild animals. Head out with no real plan in mind and see where your feet take you.

Benefit: Spontaneity provides an adventurous tone to your date, and gives you great moments to reflect back on.

Read our suggestions for 101 ways to enjoy your healthiest summer ever!

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