Host A “Support Our Friends” Fitness Party!
January 23, 2013Host A "Support Our Friends" Fitness Party!
by Tammy J. Colter, Editor-In-Chief
OH Magazine
Years ago, I decided to host a Support Our Troops party. I went out and bought red, white, and blue decorations, party favor size American flags, and everything that screamed USA that I could find and afford. I was so excited! I called many of my California girlfriends and invited them to my little shindig. I shared with them my idea of getting together and sending goodie bags and boxes to the men and women who were serving our country and at war. My beautiful friends were immediately on board and volunteered to donate various items. Together, we packed boxes of treats and necessities, wrote letters to the troops, took pictures of the group of us to include in the boxes, and we bonded in a way that we might not have in any other party setting. It was the best party I ever hosted!
Recently, I have been thinking of ways to celebrate time with my friends just as I did years ago. As we get older, it seems the hustle and bustle of life leaves us less time for impromptu get-togethers. We are busy juggling many things and that includes trying to get back on track after the holidays and fitting exercise in. So… why not host an fitness themed party? A Support Our Friends Fitness party!
Hosting a fitness themed party with friends can be something you do once a week, once a month, or whenever the mood strikes you. Think about it. A fitness party is a great way to get motivated and to make exercise fun! No one can motivate you like your friends can! And you don't always have to be the host. Each of your friends can take turns hosting a party with a fitness theme of their own. Here are a few tips and ideas for some fitness fun:
1. Select a theme for your party. Zumba, Wii Fit, walking, or a favorite workout song theme. For example, an all-time favorite workout song is Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor. You could decorate with a tiger theme, throw in a little leopard print and there's your party decor. That would be a fun party to decorate for and there's nothing like a little musical motivation!
2. Give a heads up to your guests. Make sure they know that they will actually be working out so that they can dress accordingly.
3. Ask your guests to bring their favorite workout DVD's or even DVD's that they no longer exercise to. You and your guests can choose one to work out to together. After your workout, your guests can swap DVD's to take home until the next party. What a great and inexpensive way try new exercise routines by different trainers.
4. Invite your guests to bring exercise equipment that they may not be using: Dumbbells, resistance bands, and stability balls to name a few. Have a fun exchange of equipment before the party is over!
5. Test Your Calorie IQ! You can make a fun game out of guessing which foods have fewer or more calories than the other. Incorporate other quizzes such as a Fitness IQ, Nutrition IQ, and so on.
6. Have each guest bring a healthy, nutritious dish to enjoy post workout. (Preferably their personal recipes!) Ask them to make copies of the recipes to hand out to each guest and your friends get to leave with a few new recipe ideas. And don't forget to share your favorite protein shake recipes too!
7. Take a group walk around the neighborhood and be sure to bring your pedometers to track the calories burned, the distance, and number of steps walked. If your group is really ambitious, you can help to beautify your neighborhood by picking up any trash along the way. It feels good to give back to the community that you live in.
8. Fun idea: For each mile that your group walks, or for every 500 calories burned, have each guest put a dollar in a fitness jar. After several workout parties, count the money and buy something for the group as a reward. Ideas: Exercise mats, protein powder, better exercise shoes, new workout DVD's.
9. Have each guest write down a fitness goal on a piece of paper. Put all the goals in a bowl and mix them up. Each guest then draws a goal and tries to guess who set that goal.
10. Dance, Dance, Dance. Make it a dance exercise party! As they say, Dance Like No One's Watching! You can bust a move and shake it any which way but loose. Your friends won't care!
What are some of your fitness party ideas? What would your party theme be?
-Photo courtesy of lululemonathletica
