Fitness
If you’re looking for inspiration to get out and about on the weekend, this app is the perfect place to start
If you're tired of weekends spent wasting away on the couch, binge-watching the same Netflix TV shows (could you BE any more addicted to Friends?!) when you actually want to be out exploring, we may just have the answer.
Enter, Meetup. Whether you want to shake up your normal routine, find a new hobby, or make a bunch of new friends, it could be the app for you. With a community of over eight million members in more than 180 countries, it's revolutionising the way we spend our free time – from finding new hiking buddies at the weekend, to trying a naked yoga class after work (if you really want...).
In short, it's incredible for those of us who love the outdoors but can often struggle to have friends who are available for some adventures.
So how does it work? All you have to do is sign up, completely free, and tell them what you’re interested in, and you are presented with a list of groups and activities to scroll through. It’s basically the Yellow Pages of nearby adventures. Here are five reasons it'll change your life...
1. You can make a bunch of new friends
You know how hard it is to make friends in a new city – try starting a conversation on the Tube and you'll probably spend a night locked in the Tower of London. Luckily, the whole idea behind Meetup is that it can help you find like-minded people to spend your weekends with – you don’t need a group of friends to turn up with, or to know everybody going. You just find a group you like the sound of, join it, and let them know when you’ll be coming along to one of the events. You can even set up your own group. You’ll find your new hiking tribe in no time.
2. You don’t need to be a pro… but they're welcome, too
There’s a group for whatever your level, and whatever your mood. If it’s your first time trying something out - say, you want to learn how to SUP - there will be a beginner session; if you’ve been doing your sport for years and you’re looking to step things up, you’ll find a group of people with the same skillset as you. Sunday morning stroll along the river? Sorted. Day hike to reach the top of the nearest mountain? It’s there. Week-long trip to France to scale the Alps? It’s there. BASE jumping from the Grand Canyon while blindfolded? Probably not, but you get the gist.
3. You can learn something new
From trying kayaking for the first time down the Thames, to finding a new meditation technique and discovering a love for salsa dancing, there are hundreds of classes, groups and activities for you to give a go. Plus, thanks to the social side, there’s no need to bribe your best mate into trying them with you (though you can take them along as a plus one if you really want) because you’ll get to meet a group of cool people when you arrive.
4. You can take Meetup with you when you travel
No more lonely nights spent trying, and failing, to make small-talk with your hotel bartender. Because you can filter by location, Meetup isn’t just great for finding groups close to home, it’s also the perfect travel companion – just switch locations and you can find all the groups where you are right now, so you can start your holiday off with yoga in the park every morning. When you head home, switch your location back, and you're sorted. Not only does it help you stay active while you travel, it’s a great way to meet people in new cities.
5. There’s no membership fee or long-term commitment
That monthly gym membership that comes out of your account once a month? Ouch. Thankfully, Meetup is completely free to join – and leave – whenever you want. You sign up for the groups that you’re interested in, and decide later when, or if, you want to go along to one of their meets. No commitment, no direct debit, no stress.
And now take a look at the best one-day hikes in the UK, by clicking on the link below
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