Flickr: capca

As girls we often ask our friends what their dream boyfriend or girlfriend is like. If I had a dollar for every time I have asked a friend what are the top 3 things they are looking for in a mate I would be an extremely rich person. What I have noticed, though, is that my single active friends always say that they need to be with someone who is also active and works out themselves. My diehard runner friends even take this further and say that their ideal mate should also be a runner. Yes, we are crazy.

So if you are a single active person in the city where do you meet other active people?

• You could rely upon one of the many Internet dating sites, such as Lavalife or Plenty of Fish, to find you an active mate as you can be as detailed as you like in your online profile with what you are looking for. Buyers beware, though…people are not always what they seem to be on paper.
• Go to the website ‘Where Singles and Adventure meet…’ This website offers Toronto locals the opportunity to meet up with other singles for planned activities. In the month of August alone they have a number of activities planned such as, singles intro to rock climbing; singles intro to water skiing and wake boarding; and singles golf clinic. They seem to take a number of people per event and from the looks of the number of spots they have left per event they seem like they are doing well.
• Check out one of Toronto’s sports leagues and pick a sport to try out. From what I know there are a number of different leagues out there that cater to all different abilities. Some ideas include the Toronto Recreational Sports League (Yonge and Eg area) and Out and Out Online (gay and lesbian outdoor recreation)
• As much as I hate to put this in check out the gym you go to. I have actually yet to meet someone who has actually met someone at their gym, but hey you never know. If you are looking specifically for someone who works downtown and most likely has a good job join the Wellington Club at Bay/Wellington. One tip that one comes to mind is to start playing racquetball or squash at the gym – this way you can arrange a game with people. According to the Nice Guys’ Guide for Getting Girls a game of racquetball could easily lead to lunch and ultimately dating.
• Join one of the Running Room’s clinics. In my store alone I know three successful couples who have met via the Running Room.

Oh and if anyone goes on one of the ‘Where singles and adventures meet’ let me know how it goes! Am curious to hear your experience!

I often find that when I start dating someone I end up eating more. I think this has something to do with a lot of dates being centred around food and us going out to dinner which in turn leads to less time for working out. So, sometimes I like to mix things up by doing some fitness-y type dates that allow me to spend time with the person I’m with and fit in some exercise. 

What could you do in Toronto?

1. Take a boxing class at Centre Ring in Davisville — the 60 minute boxing classes are intense and accessible for all fitness levels. The classes include a cardio warm up, strengthening exercises and bag work. I would advise that first dates don’t attempt this class as who really wants to go head to head on a punchbag on the first date? Much better for couples who have been together for a while.
    
2. Rent a pair of bicycles at CyclePath Toronto and head over to the Don Valley Trail for a bike ride which ends up in a romantic picnic. Recommended picnic park: Edward Gardens. 
    
3. Show off your silly side and do something that probably none of your friends have ever done by taking a flying trapeze drop-in class at the Toronto School of Circus Arts. Classes are around $25 per person.
    
4. Register for a learn to climb package at Rock Oasis on Bathurst and Front Street. You’ll get a good workout and learn how to build trust with your partner.
    
5. And finally because I am a runner at heart I would suggest that you and your significant other sign up for a running clinic and train for a race together! You’ll get to spend a lot of time together working towards a common goal and spend time together.