GET FIT HAVE FUN

SquareOne Feature

by Kate Smail

As the nights get longer and the days get warmer, so the layers must get fewer. If the thought of baring your dimply thighs and flabby wings is too much to contemplate ladies, (and metrosexual gents), let SquareOne guide you through the most enjoyable ways to get fit this summer.

This week sees the start of the third O'Neill Highland Open, Europe's premier surfing championship, taking place in the frigid waters around Thurso. It may lack the glamour of Hawaii's North Shore, but with around 70 surfable beaches around the Scottish coast, there's no excuse not to brave the waves.

Coldingham and Pease Bay are both mild breaks suitable for beginners, and both within 40 minutes drive of Edinburgh. Wetsuits and boards can be hired locally for about £20 all in, and both beaches benefit from life guards during the summer months. California it may not be, the water temperature peaks around a chilly 10 degrees, but at least you don't have to worry about Great White sharks or David Hassellhoff in a pair of red speedos . (See www.stvedas.com for details).

If icy seas aren't your thing, how about some snowy mountains? The Scottish ski resorts are enjoying their best season in many a year, and a few runs are expected to remain open into May. If you want to hone your skills, not to mention your thighs, over the summer, then head over to Xscape in Glasgow, the UK's largest indoor snow arena. They run a whole host of ski and snowboarding lessons, from taster sessions right through to park skill classes. There's an even after ski bar for when you're ready to switch pistes. (See www.xscape.co.uk and www.ski.visitscotland.com)

Or how about raising the temperature a little with some mountain biking? Less than an hour south of Edinburgh lies Glentress, the UK's largest trail centre. Whatever your level, trails are colour coded from green (easy peasy), to black (serious adrenaline junkies only), so it's easy to find your own pace. The climbs may be tough, but the views over the Tweed Valley are worth the sweat. Bikes can be hired from The Hub on site, and there is also a cafe serving hearty fare in the car park. Lycra is strictly optional, but after a few sessions you may find yourself warming to the idea, just to show off your perky new posterior... (see www.hubintheforest.com)

Statistically we may be a nation of fatties, but judging by the toned bodies gracing the afore mentioned activities, we're not all bad. And if the thought of seeing the beautiful people getting changed in the car park doesn't get you off the sofa, nothing will.

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