16 sporty ways to beat the winter blahs

Yeah, it's cold out there.

Oh, you noticed that too?

But c'mon, that's no reason to watch yet another rerun of "Friends" tonight. Turn off the TV, look through our list of 16 local athletic or competitive things to do, and have fun while you stay warm indoors.

Basketball

Looking for an open court? That shouldn't be too hard with courts all across the area, including at the Osage Community Centre, the Student Recreation Center and Universal Fitness. It costs $1 to play basketball at the Osage Centre, $10 for a day pass at Universal and $3 at the Rec Center, but you'll have to be accompanied by a gym member. Info: Osage, 334-2859; Student Rec Center, 651-2147; Universal, 335-3355.

Belly dancing

Folks at Main Street Fitness in Jackson say this is the hottest class among many on their schedule -- enough to bring as many as 40 people having a blast while they shimmy and shake and work up a sweat. It costs $3 to sign up. Info: 243-2211.

Billiards

You don't to be a touring pro to drop a few quarters into a pool table. Heck, you don't even have to be good at it. Just show up with a pocket full of change and a competitive sprit at any of the 100 or so pool tables in Cape Girardeau County alone, including the biggest billiard hot spots like the Billiards Center, Breakways, Nick's and Pockets. Some even open at noon to satisfy the craving for a sandwich and a game of pool over lunch.

Board games

It must be a sport since it has the word "games" right there in the title, right? Barnes & Noble Booksellers will loan you a chess or checker board and a table to play on as a way to get in out of the cold and exercise your noggin. As a plus, they're open until 11 p.m. most nights. Info: 334-2996.

Bowling

West Park Lanes and Jackson Lanes have a combined 44 lanes and both offer open bowling, which means anybody of any talent level can walk in, rent a pair of shoes and let it fly. The catch: Both host a variety of leagues, so it's a good idea to call ahead and check the schedule. Expect to spend $5 or less on lane rental and shoes. Info: West Park Lanes, 334-1047, or Jackson Lanes, 243-2303.

Darts

There's no shortage around the area (Nick's, Ragsdales, Stooges) of those new-fangled dart boards that do everything but offer a pat on the head for the loser. They'll keep score, tell you when it's your turn and make cool sounds when you hit the bullseye. Want to get really fancy? Invest in your own dart set, which you can find at department stores for less than 20 bucks.

Golf

Maybe it's too cold to hit the greens (OK, so it's not too cold for you hard-core golfers) but there's a warmer way to practice your swing. Universal Health & Fitness has an indoor driving range that allows you to whack golf balls into a net. The downside is that it shares space with the club's indoor tennis courts, so scheduling can be an issue. Call ahead to coordinate a time. Info: 335-3355.

Ice skating

Something about indoor ice seems a lot more appealing than when it's on your driveway. To accommodate that, The Ice in Cape Girardeau's Galleria is open from Thursday through Sunday for public skating at $5 a person. They'll also rent you a pair of skates. It's open Thursday and Friday nights and in the afternoons on Saturday and Sunday. Info: 335-4005.

Racquetball

With courts at Main Street Fitness, the Student Rec Center and Universal, there are opportunities to get your game on all week. These courts fill up fast, so call ahead for reservations. If you're not a member, there is a one-time, per-game charge. If you're aching to be in a league, one will start soon at Universal. Info: Main Street Fitness, 243-2211; Student Rec Center, 651-2147; Universal, 335-3355.

Rock climbing

Not afraid of heights? Check out the ceiling-high climbing wall at the Student Rec Center, which is open from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday only. It also can be rented by individuals or groups. Info: 651-2147.

Running

Get started now and be primed and ready for the outdoor racing season, which will start soon enough with a series of 5K runs around the area. While the outdoor Cape LaCroix Trail is snow-covered, take your fleet feet inside and use the tracks at Universal or the Student Rec Center. Both are available all day -- for a fee -- for non-members. Info: Student Rec Center, 651-2147; Universal, 335-3355.

Shuffleboard

The game that goes hand-in-hand with retirement meccas like Boca Raton has landed in Cape Girardeau. Nick's, a downtown spot, has a competitive shuffleboard table that'll test put your soft touch to the test. Your cost: 50 cents a game. Info: 332-8700.

Swimming

It's never too early to show off a good tan, and unless you're planning a trip to South Beach, no place is better than a warm, covered and lighted pool like the Central Municipal Pool, which is open year-round and includes two diving boards. Keep in mind the pool is used competitively for area high-school meets, so call ahead before heading out in your swimming suit. Can't swim? They also have classes. Info: 335-5421.

Tennis

Universal Health and Fitness has two indoor courts that are available to non-members for a $7 fee plus court time. They fill quickly, so call ahead and schedule a time. Info: 335-3355.

Volleyball

Nets are up at almost any given time at the Student Rec Center and at the Osage Centre. If they're not, ask nicely and they usually can be. It'll cost you a dollar at Osage and $3 for a pass into the Rec Center, but that's if you're accompanied by a member. Info: Rec Center, 651-2147; Osage, 334-2859.

Yoga

Tense because you bet your buddy $100 bucks theRams would win the Super Bowl? Relax with one of the trendiest things to hit Cape Girardeau since the Ryan's buffet. Besides classes offered by health clubs like Universal and Main Street Fitness, there's the Spirit of Harmony Yoga Studio that specializes in yoga. Info: Spirit of Harmony, 339-8786.

jhall@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 174