Fruit Camps 2013: Free bootcamps for queer men

Whether you want to break up your indoor gym routine with some outdoor fitness or want to transform yourself from a couch potato into a fitness fruit, Health Initiative for Men's annual outdoor bootcamps for all queer men are about to kick off.

As with all the best things in life, these increasingly popular bootcamps, nicknamed Fruit Camps, are absolutely free. Yes, you heard that right—free.

So if you have low or no income, here's your opportunity to get fit, and have the chance to meet other guys too. While the emphasis may be on physical health, there are social and psychological health benefits from participating in queer-affirming, structured group activities like these as well. (This is particularly important for queer men who may feel, or have experienced being, isolated, alienated or discriminated against.)

These hourlong sessions are held in various parks and beaches in the West End and Yaletown, and include warmups, jogging, crosstraining, walking, and other exercises.

The sessions run every day (rain or shine) except for Sunday, and on Friday, HIM offers Yoga for Men at the Scotiabank Dance Centre. Participants can choose whichever day they want to. There's also the option to run or walk with Frontrunners, an LGBT running and walking club, on Wednesdays and Saturday.

The workouts officially start on May 27 and will run for 12 weeks. However, a sign-up information session will be held on May 25 at 11 a.m. at the HIM office (310–1033 Davie Street) to introduce the instructors, answer questions, and register participants.

To register, visit the HIM website, email register@checkhimout.ca or call 604-488-1001.