4 unusual group workouts for Atlantans who hate the gym

The Southeast Nerf Club

Photograph by Fernando Decilis

If you go to a public park in Fayetteville or Roswell on the second Saturday of the month and see a bunch of overgrown kids clutching plastic blasters and running, whooping, and taking cover behind trees, you’ve probably walked into the middle of a Nerf war. What, pray tell, is that? In essence, it’s like paintball—or Capture the Flag, or tag, depending on the day’s rules—but with foam Nerf darts.

Photograph by Fernando Decilis

Photograph by Fernando Decilis

It’s recommended that players BYOB (bring their own blasters), but if you’ve never purchased a Nerf gun, don’t worry—the club has extras. The diverse group typically includes teenagers, 20-somethings, and parents with their kids. At a recent battle, members of a local National Guard unit played a few rounds, in uniform, before returning to base. Some folks take the fights seriously, role-playing and wearing special ammo holders, but others are just there for the pure fun of it. meetup.com/southeast-nerf-club

Photograph by Fernando Decilis

Photograph by Fernando Decilis

How to train for it
Kicking up your cardio routine will help you run down your enemies or dodge foam darts faster.

Fitness benefits
You’re running around outside with your friends. That’s great for cardiovascular fitness and overall strength—not to mention your mental health.