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Kiss and Tell: Shape up your love life

By Eleanor Goldberg | amNewYork Dating Columnist

Spring and global warming have joined forces -- recent cold glitches notwithstanding -- forcing you to show the squishy skin that's been dozing for months.

Though you might want to ditch the dating pool until your abs resurface, don't jump out yet.

Instead, combine the two: Get a beach body and a buddy.

Mary, 37, says, "activity dates are multipurpose ... you get to know someone and get a workout."

Not convinced? Consider these perks:

Motivate

I went for my first run of the season on a fourth date only after detailing my winter hibernation. Though my Powerbar threatened to come back up, I made it to block 100, only because I was still trying to show off.

Impress

Your inexperience can score serious points. Max, 29, accepted his crush's spinning invite, thinking, "It would be like riding a bike, which apparently I don't know how to do."

Though Max pedaled about as much as the gym's security guard, his now-girlfriend found the attempt endearing.

Taking an active interest in your date's hobbies demonstrates your willingness to do more than just nod periodically, which counts far more than mileage and coordination.

Connect

Talking to a near stranger is challenging -- even if you're smitten. That's why Jack, 23, prefers high impact to belabored dinners.

"When you do something in Central Park, there's less pressure because so much is going on," he said. After, you'll have conversation-topic overload -- like a mutual wish to throw things at the rollerbladers who almost took you down.

Your romantic prospects may initially protest exercising in an effort to continue the fantasy that you don't actually emit sweat.

Perhaps mention that when your heart is pumping, so are your endorphins -- you know, the stuff that puts you in a good mood and makes you really like your present company.

A staunch neighborhoodist, Eleanor prefers a date at a local unmarked bar to the newest "fabulous only" venue. As for using the word "fabulous" ... well, she's just not that kind of girl.

Want to try your hand at writing a Kiss & Tell column? E-mail jgordon@am-ny.com.