10 active first date ideas (better than another drink)

We all know the drink-at-a-bar date. Two hours sitting face to face asking the same questions. When you're active, there's a better way: do something together. Talking is easier while moving, you quickly meet the real person, and you never run out of things to say.

1. An easy run

The classic, and for good reason: that's how bpm started, with the bpm run klub. Pick a conversational pace, 5 to 8 km, a nice route (riverside, park, lake) and finish with a coffee.

2. A bouldering session

Perfect for a first date: you try, you fall, you give each other tips, you laugh. There's plenty of time to talk between problems, and most gyms have a bar.

3. A padel match

Fun and easy to pick up, even if one of you is a beginner. Two against two with friends, or just the two of you rallying: it stays light.

4. A bike ride

A 20 to 30 km loop with a picnic stop halfway. Great to see new places and talk without pressure.

5. A hike or a short trail run

Half a day outdoors with a summit or viewpoint as the goal. You learn a lot about someone on the way up.

6. A group class

Yoga, pilates, cardio boxing: book the same class. Less pressure than a one-on-one, and you debrief afterwards over a juice.

7. A swim, then brunch

A few laps on Saturday morning, then a proper brunch. The perfect combo.

8. Tennis

A friendly set, no score if your levels differ. What matters is the rally, literally.

9. Sign up for a race together

A 10K, a trail or a HYROX-style event in a few weeks: a shared goal, training sessions together, and already a reason to meet again.

10. Stand-up paddle or kayak

On a sunny day, on a lake or a river. Someone might fall in, and that's a great icebreaker.

Our tips to make it go well

• Match the intensity to the other person's level: the goal is to talk, not to set a PR.
• Pick a public, busy place for a first meeting.
• Plan an after: a coffee, a juice, a brunch. That's often when the conversation really starts.
• Tell a friend where you're going, like for any first date.

On bpm, everyone is active, so suggesting a run or a bouldering session for a first date is completely normal. Download the app and find your training partner.