PatchFitness

Do you ever want to meet more people like you (activotees), but you just don't know where to find them or how to approach them? No need to fear, all you have to do is try these 5 Fun Conversation Starters and they will come to you.

1.) Rock the Vibram FiveFingers

Yep, this is pretty much the response you'll get from people. But hey, what do you care? You're hip, you're cool, and you're improving the functional strength of your foot while realigning you're posture, all the while starting a new fashion trend.

But all kidding aside, these Vibram FiveFingers are an awesome way to draw attention from other active enthusiasts like yourself. Heck, these little puppies have brought me new friends, new clients, and even a few dates-Okay only one date, but still, it's a shoe!-and all I did was wear them, that's it. These things just scream, "Ask me about my shoes."

In addition to being a great conversation starter, they're also good for you. They stretch and strengthen the muscles in and around the foot and lower leg thereby improving balance, agility, and proprioception. Be warned though, they do take some time to get accustomed to. You see, all those little muscles in your foot have atrophied from the years and years of being covered in hard rubber and leather soles with arch and heel support. So slipping on FiveFingers is like going to the gym for the first time in two years for your feet. Expect some soreness! But that only last for a little and is well worth the overall relief of chronic pain (foot, back, you name it) you get from wearing these. The best approach I've found is to start off wearing them for only an hour or two and then doubling the time you wear them each day until you can comfortably wear them all day. Switch to some flat soled shoes such as Nike Frees or Converse Chuck Taylors on your days off to keep your feet strong. Enjoy!

2.) Be a Slacker 

This is by far my favorite way of meeting new people. Just set up one of these in your local park and within thirty minutes you'll have an audience of ten or more people. Within an hour or two it is not uncommon to have 50-100 viewers and 10 or 20 people wanting to try it out. With numbers like these you're bound to run across someone you would like to meet but might otherwise never have had the chance.

Slacklining is a balance sport that originated in the mid to late 70's when rock climbers in Yosemite started balancing on parking lot chains, hand rails, and climbing rope as a way to improve their balance and spend down-time. Fast forward to today and slacklining has evolved into a sport of it's own. Kind of like modern day tightrope walking. But instead of taught steel cables like they use in the circus, slacklining uses looser, flat 1-2" wide webbing strung between two fixed points. Doing so gives the line more "slack" side to side and up and down.

Now I won't lie and say it's the easiest activity to learn, but damn if it's not the most addictive. It only takes an hour or two to stand up and walk 10-20ft., but a lifetime to master. If you're new to the sport I recommend you start with a larger 2" line like a Gibbon. The wider line isn't as intimidating and you can set it up lower without it touching the ground. Not to mention the ratcheting system that comes with the line makes it easy to set-up and take down for the technically impaired, like myself. If however you have some experience with knots and carabiners you can easily purchase the necessary equipment at either REI, A16, or your local outdoor retailer. To find out more about slacklinging and keep up with this new and exciting sport visit www.sandiegoslacklining.com. 

3.) Turn Everyone's Frown Upside Down

Nobody smiles anymore. They just walk around with this sour puss look on their face trying to avoid eye contact as if the person passing them was Medusa or something. Well you know the saying, "Turn that frown upside down."? Easier said than done right?

Wrong, it's just as easy. All you have to do is stand on your head or walk around on your hands and instantly everyone is in a better mood. Sure people might think it's a little strange somebody just spontaneously doing handstands here and there. But just look at it from your point of view. They're smiling at you, right.

If you're already and head/handstander from way back when, then the world is your oyster. If you're new to upside down living then I suggest you start off slow. Maybe start with your back against a wall, then your stomach against the wall, and then no wall at all. Another good reference for learning to balance on your hands is www.thelostartofhandbalancing.com. A friend of mine turned me on to this. Lots of good stuff. It should really help streamline the whole learning process.

Then once you have your form down it's time to take the show on the road. Start off at public fitness/recreational areas such as parks and gyms. Physical performances such as handstands are more welcome here and prove as a useful practice area to hone your skills. As your confidence grows try throwing in a handstand here and there once in a while in random areas like a bookstore, grocery store, or just walking down the street. You'll get some odd looks, but continue watching and you'll notice those odd looks start turning into smiles, even when you're right side up. Everyone loves a performance and it reminds people that you need to sometimes stop being so serious and start having a little, no scratch that, A LOT more fun. Many will look, some will talk, and the brave ones will come right up to you, strike up a conversation, and try turning some frowns upside down themselves.

4.) Spark Some New Interest

Now I don't smoke or condone smoking of any kind, but I do believe in unleashing your inner pyro once in a while. No I don't mean burning mattresses or anything like that. I mean the art of Zippo Lighter Tricks.

For those of you that don't know Zippo lighters have been around since the 1930's. Yep these little buggers have been on the front line of the lung cancer war for over 70 years, taking names and kicking asses. But in the name of health, activity, and the pursuit of happiness I thought we might use them for some good clean fun today.

Zippo tricks involve incredible finger dexterity and hand eye coordination in which "tricksters" pop, flick, flip, and throw lighters in an attempt to create unique and mystifying ways of lighting the lighter. Click here for an example of what I'm talking about.

Ya, pretty crazy huh. But don't be intimidated, there are 50 or more simpler tricks that can be learned in less than a few minutes. Google 'zippo tricks' and you'll find a ton of tutorials. Just remember the three S's when you're practicing: safe, simple, slow. Once you have a few tricks in your bag it's time to show them off. Be the big hit at your next party, that cool guy/gal at your local bar, or just entertain yourself and friends. Have fun!

5.) Just Be Awesome

When all else fails, just be awesome. Do something unique, do whatever everyone else is scared to do, challenge the status quo...cause we all the know that the status quo is not quo...whatever it is, have fun with it and be your naturally awesome self. As my good friend Barney Stinson always says, "When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome again. True story." Live by these words and people will always be drawn to you.