Health Initiative for Men's outdoor bootcamps get fruity with Fruit Camps

Feeling fruity and wanting to get fit? Well, you're in luck.

This year, Health Initiative for Men's annual outdoor bootcamps for gay and bisexual men have been rechristened Fruit Camps, tongue-in-cheek of course. (The question is which cheeks?)

The workouts, which will run for 12 consecutive weeks, kick off on Monday (May 28). What's amazing is that they're all free. Yes, you heard me right. Free.

That makes physical fitness accessible to all, regardless of income level. (So that's one less excuse you can use for potato-ing on your couch.)

The multi-level workshops (from beginner to advanced) will be taught by volunteer instructors, include everything from warmups and stretching to jogging and cross-training. The classes will be held on evenings from Monday to Thursday, and Saturday morning(plus there are the HIM yoga classes on Friday nights).

And while there's the physical fitness aspect, there's a social element, of course. On the one hand, you can certainly check out the other guys, but it's also an opportunity to make platonic friends and expand your social circle. The group format can also provide a sense of camaraderie and achievement for those who have been struggling to achieve their fitness goals alone.

(HIM takes a holistic approach to gay men's health, and recognizes that social and emotional health are just as important as and related to physical and sexual health.)

And of course, it's a chance to get out of the gyms and have fun in the sun (or rain, as the case may be, considering this is Vancouver).

If you're interested, there's an orientation session tonight (May 22) at the HIM Office (310–1033 Davie Street) at 7 p.m. Attendance is highly advised so that participants can understand how the schedule works.

The sessions are drop-in, however you do need to register first (it's mandatory). For more information and to register, visit the HIM website. (If you're unable to attend tonight's orientation, you can contact the office to find out about registering.)

You can follow Craig Takeuchi on Twitter at twitter.com/cinecraig. You can also follow the Straight's LGBT coverage on Twitter at twitter.com/StraightLGBT.