South Florida offers dozens of ways to stay active, from X-Fit and Zumba classes to new-age yoga and Brazilian jujitsu.

Then, there's softball.

It's a traditional American mainstay, and there's nothing quite like using an aluminum bat to swat a ball over a fence with your friends around. Unlike trendier and more short-lived fitness fads, softball is here to stay.

Finding a league to join near you is easy. According to the Amatuer Softball Association, more than 3 million people play organized softball nationwide. There are more than 20 leagues in South Florida, and thanks to our usually cooperative weather, most operate year-round.

One is the private Florida Adult Softball League, whose games are played at Tropical Park in West Miami-Dade on Sunday evenings. With 14 teams of 20 players and a smattering of free agents, the FASL has about 300 players with skills ranging from novice to almost-major-league.

``But we're always welcoming new players,'' league director Manny Ferrero said. The FASL supports a coed and men's group.

The FASL is now gearing up for the summer playoffs. On Sunday, teams will begin elimination towards an eventual champion, just in time to begin the fall season in November. This fall, the league will split its men-only side into separate leagues -- ``upper'' and ``lower'' divisions based on ability.

Free agents can join the league for $75 anytime, or you can get 19 of your closest friends (or coworkers) and sign up for the next season as a team for $750.

In the interest of full disclosure, there is nothing high-impact about the sport. Seven innings of swings, slides and catches have limited calorie-burning potential.

Participants use softball as an excuse to get out of the house, get under the sun and spend some active time with friends.

``With the gym you can go or not go and no one but you is affected,'' said Veronika Perez, who plays in the league. ``Here you have teammates depending on you, so you always go.''

What makes the FASL unique is not in a park but in cyberspace. Ferrero posts full boxscores and league leaders throughout the season at www.FloridaAdultSoftball.com, making the minor pursuit seem all the more major league.

Most Miami-Dade and Broward County parks with softball fields operate public softball leagues. Leagues can be found at www.MiamiDade.gov/Parks or www.Broward.org/Parks.

The Get Up, Get Out column runs every other week. To share your unique workout experiences, e-mail dquinones@MiamiHerald.com.

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