Solitary runs and bike rides are grand, but I find that sweating it out with other people is way more entertaining. For starters, you have the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with fun people while you hike/walk/ride (and conversation is a great distraction when your quads start cramping). Plus, there’s accountability in a group. If you don’t show up, people notice (because you’re awesome and they miss you). And let’s not forget the benefits of peer pressure. When I’m part of a swim or cycling group, I take it more seriously, mostly because I don’t want to show up to the group swim or ride and look ridiculous in front of everyone else. It’s kind of like when we stay on a treadmill at the gym way longer than we would at home because PEOPLE ARE WATCHING. Our peers keep us running even if we wanted to stop at the first half mile.
Whether you’re looking for fitness pals or people to hike or paddle with, Meetup.com has a lot of options. There are groups for runner looking to put in more miles and groups for walkers who are ready to get moving at an accessible pace. There’s a paddling group and a weekly paddleboard meetup and a couple of meetups for rock climbers (or people wanting to become rock climbers). And let’s not forget the hikers! (Check out all the meetups on meetup.com.)
Southern Maine Area Fitness Meetup
www.meetup.com/Gorham-area-Fitness-Meetup
Based in Gorham, ME
“This is a group for anyone interested in exercising in a group, having accountability partners, and a supportive environment in which to live a healthy, active lifestyle. All skill levels are welcome. I look forward to meeting others who are interested in creating and living a healthy lifestyle, that includes good nutrition and physical activity/exercise!”
The Maine Trash Runners
www.meetup.com/Maine-Trash-Runners
Based in Portland, ME
“Some people run for pride, glory, or accomplishment. We Run 4 Trash (and a cleaner environment)! Ever notice how much trash there is when you’re out on your morning walk, jog, run, bike ride, hike, skip, etc.? Well, there is A LOT! That’s where the Maine Trash Runners come in. We come from all walks of life and all different backgrounds, but we have a shared passion for taking care of our environment. And it doesn’t matter how fast or slow you think you may be, its all about getting some exercise, picking up some trash, and having a fun while doing it. Join us once a month as we grab our bags, tie on our shoes, move our feet, and pick up some trash. Each month we’ll try to hit up a location or race and do our part to make Maine a little bit cleaner.”
Greenbelt Trail Mixer
www.meetup.com/Greenbelt-Trail-Mixer
Based in South Portland, ME
“This is a group for beginning and intermediate runners who are interested in running, walking or recreational cycling on the Greenbelt Trail. I’m a certified coach with Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) and look forward to hearing about your training goals. I’ve been a runner since 1980 and have completed 9 marathons. I’m here to motivate and inspire others as well as myself. Let us run!”
Portland Funners
www.meetup.com/Portland-Funners
Based in Portland, ME
“This meetup is an informal, low key group for people who enjoy running / jogging in a social setting. We live in a beautiful city let’s get out and enjoy it!”
FirstStep Reformers
www.meetup.com/From-Obesity-to-Fitness-and-Friendships
Based in Portland, ME
“Are you obese and want to start an exercise routine, but are feeling judged, unmotivated, or just plain not have an accountability buddy? You’ve come to the right place. This group is for those interested in taking that first step…let’s start by taking a walk together, at a pace that works for everyone? Let’s get together!”
Waterville Walks!
www.meetup.com/Waterville-Walks
Based in Waterville, ME
“Waterville Walks! is a volunteer supported, community walking program designed to get people of all ages moving, socially connected, and gaining the health benefits of regular exercise. Participants in this FREE program are connected to other walkers at their level and given tools to measure progress while encouragement and support come from volunteer walk leaders and others in the program; all ages and abilities are welcome!”
Recovering Couch Potatoes
www.meetup.com/Getting-off-the-Couch
Based in Brunswick, ME
“This is a group for women who want to get together to do some fun, easy physical activity and provide support for each other on our way to becoming healthy, active, and enjoying life again. My favorite way to be active is to get outside in nature, walk in interesting places, and enjoy the many wonders Maine.”
Portland Weekly SUP Paddle
www.meetup.com/Portland-Weekly-SUP-Paddle
Based in Portland, ME
“Every Tuesday we’ll meet at the East End Beach and choose a route for our paddle based on the conditions and the group. Anyone who’s comfortable on a SUP is welcome. (If you’ve never been on a SUP before, this isn’t the best time to try it out). We’ll hit the water by 5:30 PM and will be back on shore well before sunset. We’ll try to pick a different route each week. Possible destinations include Portland harbor, Back Cove, Fort Gorges, Mackworth Island and the Presumpscot River Estuary. If you need a board, Portland Paddle will rent to members of the Meetup Group at a discounted rate of $12 for the evening.”
Windham/Raymond Paddling Club
www.meetup.com/Windham-Raymond-Paddling-Club
Based in Windham, ME
“This is a group for anyone interested in recreational kayaking on the calm waters in the Sebago Lakes Area. There are more than 30 different locations to launch a canoe or kayak that are open to the public, accessing lakes, ponds and gentle current streams and rivers within a few miles of North Windham. We’re looking for anyone and everyone who would enjoy time paddling on the water, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature and the fellowship of new good friends.”
Maine Sports and Recreation
www.meetup.com/mainesportsandrecreation
Based in Portland, ME
“This group is for people looking to make friends and find people to enjoy sports and recreation. Enthusiasts of all skill levels are welcome, just make sure the meetup event is tailored to your skill level. The event description will note if the meetup requires specialized knowledge, previous experience, or a minimum fitness level.”
Lewiston Outdoor Explorers Meetup
www.meetup.com/Lewiston-Outdoor-Explorers-Meetup
Based in Lewiston, ME
“Camping, hiking, kayaking are my current interests, and I’m looking for new people and places~! Let’s find a great campground, walk the woodlands, kayak/canoe the Saco, the ocean, a nearby pond. Everyone is welcome! I’m a middle aged woman, but kids are welcome! Let’s have some fun without having to always meet with Portlanders in their stomping ground.”
Raymond Area Outdoors
www.meetup.com/Raymond-Area-Outdoors
Based in Raymond, ME
“Join us as we explore the countryside in Raymond NH and the surrounding towns . Most events will be 2-4 hour walks utilizing the recreation trails, and local forests. We will be doing walks, easy hikes, biking, and snowshoeing. We can all share areas that we enjoy and explore them together. There will be an occasional activity outside the area. There will be last minute postings to take advantage of ideal weather conditions. We live in a great area for outdoor activities and our goal is to explore some less know areas as well as some favorites.”
Portland Rock Climbing/Hiking/Adventuring Group
www.meetup.com/Portland-Rock-Climbing-Hiking-Adventuring-Group
Based in Portland, ME
“This is a group for anyone interested in rock climbing (indoor or outdoor), hiking, camping, backpacking, bouldering, and generally exploring the nature of Maine. I started this group to meet other people that are outdoor enthusiasts.”
Portland Rock Climbing Meetup!
www.meetup.com/Portland-Rock-Climbing-Meetup
Based in Portland, ME
“Find the inner climber in you! All levels of climbing welcome. This group is great for folks needing a climbing partner, who want to meet new friends, and who want to experience the fun, challenging, rewarding sport of rock climbing at Maine’s largest and only facility of it’s kind, Evo Rock + Fitness! Come solo or with your friends! If you are a new climber, sign up for an Intro To Climbing Class, 7-8:30pm.”
