Submitted by Bruce Hecht
For many people exercising rates right up there with paying taxes and cleaning gutters.  In a recent MSNBC Poll it was reported that 34% of us really hate it and another 24% said that they "tolerate it"!
 
Frankly, people that own homes in Portland Oregon are not sure what all of the whining is about.  Regular exercise is just a way of life in Portland Oregon.  In Portland, many home owners and general population folks take advantage of what is in our backyards and just down the street.  In the Portland area we have two rivers, the West Hills, Mt. Hood and we are home to the largest relay race in the entire world, Hood to Coast.
 
According to Men's Health Magazine, Portland Oregon ranks among the Nations Top 10 Fittest Cities, based on park acreage and number of Health Clubs.  Portlanders have figured out the secret to staying healthy and fit: having fun!

Try this out for size:
 
18 holes of golf at Rose City Golf Course. This is Portland's second oldest course.  It has 6,500 yards of lush, green fairways including many hills that will jack your heart rate up and make your thighs feel like you are indoors on a stair climbing machine.  You will want to walk the course, which is about 4 miles for the average golfer.  $32 for 18 holes
 
If you do not like to kill and chase little white balls, try a salsa class.  Take the up-tempo class, 180+ beats per minute instead of the 100 beats per minute in the waltz class.  A great spot to dance is at Viscount Dance Studio. 
 
If the more modern "Hip-Hop" dancing is your thing, try www.devinefunk-dance.com  the hour and 1/2 hour classes.
 
Another indoor popular activity that will get your heart racing is:  Tennis.  You can take a lesson at the Portland Tennis Center.  They have classes for all ranges and abilities.
 
My personal favorite is going to www.portlandonline.com/parks  and checking out Wilson High School's 6 lane outdoor lap pool.  You can swim while the kids use the slides and float down the lazy river.

Good luck, and say goodbye to fat and hello to your new home in Portland Oregon and watch it go up about 10-15% per year.