Walking is the new socializing
We wanted to see each other. Preferably to eat, but we were both already at our weekday maximum of two evenings. We also have children and they deserve our time and attention too. To quote another friend: ‘then you should have gotten a canary.’ Lunch then. But lunches take a long time. Before you know it, you've spent three hours away from your workplace and suddenly have a glass of wine in your hand and are worth little for the rest of the day. Or nothing.
‘Shall we exercise together instead?’ I asked it cautiously, considering I might get laughed at. But she thought it was a great plan and immediately arranged a tough training session at one of the coolest studios in Amsterdam (PLTS by Renée Vervoorn), and that’s how we came up with a new date format: exercising together. That is the new lunch and here’s why.
1. Useful and pleasant
Exercising is good for people. While during a lunch everything sticks to your hips, here you actually cut something off.
2. It creates a bond
Suffering together, laughing because you have cramps in your calf again, showering afterwards and taking a dab from the other person's hair mask and chatting while trying to tidy up your red face a bit. That’s fun.
3. It’s cheap
In any case, cheaper than a long lunch.
4. You have after-fun
Every hour of muscle pain reminds you of the fun morning you had with your friend.
What should the sports date meet?
1. Book a class at a cool gym
It should feel a bit like a moment for yourself. With all love for Basic-Fit, I don’t consider that an outing. So go to an inspiring boutique gym like The Gym Republic, PLTS or Saints & Stars in Amsterdam. For a better overall experience, I would say. You might spot some trendy and inspiring types around you.
2. Choose a nice outfit
That makes you happy too. I have a lot of shorts from Deblon Sports that are so nice that they can also be worn at home.
3. Find a nice coffee shop nearby
Have a latte on the rocks or a fresh juice together to catch up. And to arrange to meet again next time.
On a caught-up, bikini-ready summer.
