How to plan a 'fit-nic' for you and your friends

There's a reason why picnics are such a tried-and-true style of gathering in nice weather. They're the perfect way to spend some time outdoors with your loved ones and eat some delicious food. They don't require a large budget or fussy reservations and are very family-friendly. It's a win-win-win! For another win, try adding a fitness activity for more movement and fun.

Dining out and attending fitness classes with friends can both get expensive. That's where the fit-nic comes in — my solution for enjoying the best of both worlds at a low cost, in the park. As a fitness expert, professional boxer, and entrepreneur, I'm all about finding ways to be active, have fun, and stay on budget. Here's how I recommend planning a fit-nic for you and your friends this fall.

First, let's talk about picking the perfect spot. You don't need a permit or reservation to host a small gathering in a public park or beach. The most important thing is to secure enough room for movement in an area with some shade, so people can take refuge from the sun as needed. You could even try snagging a picnic table for guests who might not be comfortable on the ground. 

Make sure you aren't setting up your party in the middle of a sports field or baseball diamond, just in case a game is scheduled during your hang. Finally, be mindful of choosing an accessible area if needed  — including ramp access where applicable and a mostly flat surface. 

Now, how do you move beyond the picnic benches or blankets to incorporate some low-key, fun activity? Jumping jacks and mountain climbers aren't necessary here. Instead, you can simply encourage your guests to 'close their rings' and get extra steps in by incorporating a few inclusive games that require some movement. Bocce ball is always a crowd-pleaser, but even a competitive game of charades can get people moving — and perhaps even breaking a sweat (no judgment!). Giant Jenga is popular and offers a low-budget, low-impact way to get people squatting and strategizing.

When it comes to the centerpiece of the event — the food — there's nothing wrong with easy-to-grab snacks like chips, popcorn, or hot dogs. However, when I'm shopping for picnic food, I prefer to use fresh and seasonal produce whenever possible and, most importantly, read the labels carefully on any packaged products. While I'm not entirely opposed to packaged foods, I do steer clear of certain problematic ingredients such as extra processed sugars, unhealthy oils, and cheap additives and stabilizers that bulk up the product but offer little to no nutritional value.

A couple of my favorite things to serve at a fit-nic include watermelon bites stuffed with a clean cream cheese, topped with a roasted almond and drizzled with maple syrup; sushi-style rolls made with smoked salmon and an herb and spice cream cheese; and a delicious green goddess dip crafted from sun-ripened tomato cream cheese, fresh basil, and pine nuts.

I always aim to serve an assortment of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to accommodate everyone's preferences, especially as people increasingly rethink their relationship with alcohol and look to socialize without it. To simplify both grocery shopping and fit-nic prep, I like to use overlapping ingredients in my food and mocktail recipes. For instance, you can blend up some watermelon juice and pour it over muddled basil, with the option to add soda water for fizz.

Finally, make sure to bring lots of water and extra SPF! 

Remember that health-focused hangouts don't have to be overly complicated or prescriptive. Making a few simple tweaks can turn your picnic into fit-nic in a way that's really easy and fun for everyone.

Caleigh is a fitness entrepreneur, boxing professional and wellness expert in Toronto and Miami. Her brand focus is community, empowerment and making healthy choices fun, attainable and sustainable. Find her at @CaleighFit on IG & TikTok.