Fitness benefits -- for you and charities
When you add a new sport to your workout, there's a way to coax everyone into cheering for you -- even if you're terrible.
Hire a private coach? Nope.
Surround yourself with supportive friends and family? Not exactly.
The secret is this: Find your new fitness regimen through fundraisers.
As spring heads our way, nonprofit groups throughout the suburbs will host hundreds of runs, games and clinics that will let you help others, earn a good sweat and try new events sans self-consciousness.
After all, no one will give you too much grief for being awful if you're trying in the name of a good cause.
And, hey, maybe you'll discover a new talent.
So if you think tennis is what's missing in your life -- or if you've always wanted to unleash your inner Tiger Woods -- try some of these charity events and help both your body and others.
March for Babies
What you'll do: Fear not, there's no military-style marching. Instead, each event varies in length and can be leisurely or fast paced.
Calories burned: A 150-pound person can burn more than 180 calories walking at just 2 mph. Step it up to 3½ mph and burn an extra 100 calories, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Who you'll help: March of Dimes, which works to prevent birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.
When: 9 a.m. April 27.
Where: Walks planned in Chicago; Naperville; St. Charles; Highland Park, Elk Grove Village and Midlothian.
Details: (312) 435-4007 or marchforbabies.org.
Northwest Suburban United Way Golf
What you'll do: Perfect your long drive on an 18-hole course.
Calories burned: Play for an hour and burn about 170 calories, according to the American Council on Exercise's data for a 160-pound person. Carry your own clubs and make that about 370.
Who you'll help: This local chapter works with community leaders to identify critical needs in the Northwest suburbs and then fund the programs that address those needs. Proceeds also benefit scholarships for high school seniors.
When: 11 a.m. April 30.
Where: Mount Prospect Golf Club, 600 See-Gwun, Mount Prospect.
Details: (847) 768-1074.