You can sneak in some fitness even while you enjoy your time “off.” Bobbi Jo Gamache is a perfect example. She's a dancer. No, you won't find her up on a local stage. Instead she dances for sheer enjoyment. “It's social dancing and a fun way to raise your activity level,” she says. “You don't notice you are getting some exercise as you enjoy the movement and music.” Dancing really burns calories. 86 to 286 per half hour, depending on whether you're waltzing or doing the jitterbug.

Gamache cites better muscle strength, balance and agility as another side benefit of dancing. “Studies suggest that dancers have less falls as they get older,” she notes. “It has an aerobic benefit, increasing your heart rate and oxygen intake, plus many people find it an excellent de-stressor. Partner dancing is a type of touch therapy and moving to music often has a calming effect.” Bobbi Jo is affiliated with the Kalamazoo chapter of USA Dance, which was founded in the 1960's to help amateur ballroom dancing become recognized as an Olympic event. The local chapter holds monthly dances for singles and couples at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts facility (except during summer months) and offer dance lessons taught by professionals.

Activities abound. Have you ever tried hopping? Art hopping, that is. Lisa Williams, Director of Communications for the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo says the idea of the “Art Hop” is to have patrons moving from one visual art center to the next, crossing to a gallery across the street or to businesses where the art may be on display. When things are hopping, it means they're full of energy. Happening. That describes the monthly event to perfection. “Many people dress up for the art hops, but you can be both fashionable and comfortable,” Williams stresses. “These days comfy shoes are also cool-looking, so wear the comfy ones if you plan to walk and mix a little fitness with your art.”

As someone who fits regular health club visits into her lifestyle, Williams says strolling through an art hop can help with your 10,000 steps goal. She also suggests taking a Kalamazoo cultural walking tour. “There are a large number of exhibits and galleries downtown.

You could start at the Epic Centre, walk over to the KIA, and come back through Bronson Park, then head over to the public library or the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Many businesses have art in their spaces, so combining those stops with the cultural institutions, you have created your own unique form of exercise,” she notes.

Wondering what to do with your leisure time? Check out these websites:

Kalamazooarts.com (Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo
Burnhambrook.com (Burnham Brook Center - Battle Creek)
Kalamazoodance.org (Kalamazoo Dance - USADANCE)
Kvwalkers.org (Kalamazoo Valley Walkers)
Comstockcc.com (Comstock Community Center)

So, make the most of your precious time away from work, home or family responsibilities. You need to renew, recharge and relax. Feed your inner child. Remember that old adage, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”…or Jill a dull girl! Take time to shine!