Photo by John Hicks
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Web Exclusive…
Finding Workout Buddies
By Sarah Mahoney, May & June 2005
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You're more likely to stick with a sport if you can connect with people
who share your interest. Thanks to the Internet, finding them has never been
easier. Here are 17 websites to get you moving.
For general information:
The American
College of Sports Medicine publishes body-fat and heart-rate calculators,
healthy aging tips, and an excellent electronic newsletter.
The American Council on
Exercise, which certifies personal trainers, has an extensive library of
healthy recipes and specific exercises for any body—or body part. It also
offers guidance on choosing a gym, trainer, or exercise routine.
The Active Network has a site that links
millions of exercisers with events and clubs around the country, whether
you're looking for a cricket match or fencing lessons.
Roughly 10 percent of the YMCA's
members are over 55, so most Ys offer programs targeted specifically to over-50
exercisers. Some offer discounts as well.
The National Senior Games Association
organizes events in 49 states in mainstream competitive events, such as golf,
track, or softball, as well as regional passions, like candlepin bowling.
For more on specific activities:
Swimming
The Red Cross
offers classes to fine-tune your swimming techniques and U.S. Masters Swimming runs clubs around the
country.
Walking/Running
The Road Runners Club links local chapters
to help you find races, clinics, and running buddies. For specific training
tips, try www.runningplanet.com. Got
a secret marathon dream? Since it started in 1988, 220,000 participants of Leukemia Team in Training
events have raised over $500 million. Participants—many who can barely run a
mile when they sign up—get four to five months of personal training, instant
teammates, and all the encouragement in the world.
Hiking
The Sierra Club organizes supervised
hikes—some easy, some more challenging. (On the website, select "my
backyard.") Feeling more ambitious? Get maps and ideas about how to tackle
a portion of the Appalachian
Trail, which stretches from Maine to Georgia.
Dancing
Dance is hot right now, including swing, salsa, Celtic, tap, and ballroom
dancing. If you can't find what you want at a local dance studio, check out
www.dance.thelinks.com, a site that
brings together dozens of dance resources. The U.S. Amateur
Ballroom Dancers Association can hook you up with local classes.
Tennis
The U.S. Tennis Association recently launched a program to help
people—including those 50 and over —get back into tennis, linking up
local tennis clubs that can find you lessons, partners, and tournaments. Enter
your Zip Code in the box up top.
Golf
At www.playgolfamerica.com, your
Zip Code connects you to local clubs, lessons, and age-specific
tournaments.
Rowing
The Masters Rowing Association
provides training tips and seminars to polish your technique.
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