So, you know that exercise is good for and your intentions are pure, but when it comes to dragging your flabby, winter self off to the gym, it's just so hard.

And if you do accomplish the incredible feat of getting to the gym, you realise that the one thing that used to quell your boredom as you climbed countless flights of stairs was the fact that there were actually other (apparently migratory) people in the gym.

Unless you are particularly fond of the whole polar bear look, the answer is not hibernation. We've put together a list of fun and social ways for you to get fit this summer.

Have you seen Shakira belly dancing? Need I say more? This is clearly the way to go if you want gorgeous abs.

"Physically, belly dancing gives you a workout from head to toe," says Tenille Lindeque from The Feminine Divine Oriental Dance Studio.

And as an added benefit that you may never had known you needed, the circular movements of the hips and abdomen will apparently massage your internal organs.

"Emotionally, belly dancing puts you back in touch with your feminine essence and definitely leaves you feeling more confident and happier with your body," says Tenille. And because it has become so popular, you can do all of this without going anywhere near a veil or sequined bra.

Keen to do some dancing, but find the prospect of belly dancing a bit daunting? Why not try salsa? It is always so much easier to exercise with someone else, so if you have a partner, you could do this together (think about how great you will look at weddings) and if not, this is a fun way to meet new people. The fast tempo of salsa will burn calories and the tricky moves will improve your co-ordination.

Kick butt

If you crave something with a little more oomph, and the chance to work out some of that post-work aggression, you could try Capoeira. This Brazilian martial art combines dance, acrobatics (cartwheels etc) and music with fighting techniques, and, says Paulo Palinhos of Casa Da Capoeria, the training is both aerobic — burns fat — and anaerobic (builds explosive power).

He also stresses the positive impact that Capoeira has on your body: "Capoeira is really good for your core muscles, because with movements like cartwheels and back springs and a lot of side movement, your core is going to be putting in a lot of hard work."

But Capoeira is more than just a way of getting fit, it is a holistic martial art that Paulo says "offers a great deal of social interaction, giving you an opportunity to make a lot of new friends".

Muay Thai, an ancient martial art, has also become trendy recently, which means that there are plenty of places where you can do it socially (you would like to lose weight, but don't really have any intention of fighting) and chances are, you'll bump into a lot of beautiful people. The cardio workout is intense, your strength will increase significantly and you might pick up some self-defence tips along the way.

Smell the fresh air

The idea of rock climbing may conjure up images of muscular bodies hanging single-handedly from sheer rock faces, but rest assured that there are different levels and even the most athletically challenged can start rock climbing.

Phlip, from Perfect Wall says that rock climbing focuses on "muscle toning, balance and strength training" and recommends it as the ideal sport for "all the IT computer geeks" because it requires you to do some serious problem solving.

He says that once the climbing bug bites, it'll force you to make some lifestyle changes to accommodate your passion for climbing: "You'll start watching what you eat, do some yoga classes to get flexible or maybe end up doing the conventional weight training just to be able to complete a certain climb."

How did that joy and freedom you used to feel riding your bike as a kid translate into the boredom you feel as you sit on the bike in the gym staring at the sweat on the head of the bald guy in front of you? Mmm…. Probably something to do with the stationary factor.

It's high time you got out there and enjoyed nature on two wheels, says Tony Cook of Mountain Biking Africa.

"It's off-road, in the bush, no traffic, no houses, just you and your mates... and you are keeping fit, having an unreal work out. But, it's such fun you don't realise how fit you are getting and then all of a sudden someone says, 'Why are you always so bloody happy?... and you look so well!" Healthy body, healthy mind — ever seen a fat or grumpy mountain biker?"

Take it off

Carmen Electra has taken Jane Fonda's workout book to a whole new level with her 'Aerobics Striptease' dvd. And she is not the only one. Stripping is no longer some sleazy occupation that your parents warned you about, it's the new aerobics trend that's getting everyone from moms (and dads) to businesswomen excited. Oh, and there's no actual nakedness involved. Basically, it's an aerobics class based on the moves used by strippers (although you can wear layers and peel them off) which will increase your muscle tone and flexibility and give you a bit of a confidence boost.

Levelling the playing fields The South African soccer field has traditionally been a male bastion but we are moving forward.

Hottest six-pack in SA? Who does the hottest six-pack in South Africa belong to? Read this to find out...

'The woman on p194' What do you think of the appearance in a fashion magazine of a model who fills more of the page?