Working (out) for love

Lolita Harper

This year, Dr. Love is making house calls -- and so is Dr. Scholls.

Couples who like to get their hearts racing and blood pumping in

ways that constitute exercise have the perfect playground for passion

in the Newport-Mesa area. With weather reports forecasting sunny

skies and temperatures in the 70s, area couples who love to be

outdoors will have a perfect setting for an active Valentine’s Day.

For many, the feel of the wind on one’s face while cycling down a

coastal path is as exhilarating as the warm touch of one’s beloved.

Whether you are a pro or a novice, a luxurious bike ride is the

perfect romantic activity for any couple, Cycle Werks manager Trevor

Jones said. Cycling is exhilarating, fun and good exercise, he said,

and it promotes excitement, endurance and adventure. All nice

attributes when love is involved.

“Just a bike ride by the beach can be fun,” he said.

Bikers just need to be aware of their skill level and plan

accordingly. Those who are novice cyclers may want to get in touch

with a cycling club for advice on routes, etc. Those who are already

enthusiasts will simply be following a “daily routine,” Jones said.

Keeping in tune with an energetic Valentine’s Day attitude,

dancing is a natural choice for vigorous couples, said dance

instructor Anita Rogers, who teaches all forms of dance at DanScene

in Costa Mesa.

“Dancing requires lots of body motion,” Rogers said. “The woman is

following the motion of the man’s body, and he is holding the

contours of her curves. And the music -- the music is passionate and

rhythmic.”

And as sure-footed as an athletic woman may be on a jogging trail,

dancing in heels is a completely different ballgame. But heels are a

must for the passion factor, experts say.

High heels elongate the leg and make a woman automatically look

sexier, said Selene Martes, the owner of Wicked Chamber novelty shop

in Costa Mesa -- a hot spot for showgirls.

“High heels also exaggerate the roll of your hips when you walk,”

Martes said. “It changes your gait and adds an extra sway to the

hips.”

As far as feeling comfortable in heels, she suggests practicing

beforehand with various heel heights and being aware of the surface

you are strutting on. Stay away from shag carpeting or grass, she

said, as the stiletto often tends to get stuck, causing you to lose

balance.

“Just make sure you are comfortable,” she said. “Nothing exudes

sex appeal like confidence.”

* LOLITA HARPER is the community forum editor. She also writes

columns Wednesdays and Fridays. She may be reached at (949) 574-4275

or by e-mail at [email protected].