Once called Ultimate Frisbee, Ultimate, as it’s now known, is becoming a sport beloved by women and men, young and old. Plus, it’s a fun way to get fit.

“It’s a relaxing way to get exercise,” said Ben DeGroot, organizer of the Ultimate pickup games in Wausau. “I can’t do a treadmill or run every week so this is a good way to get some running in.”

“It’s like basketball,” said Nick Boettcher. “It’s quick bursts of speed and then you stop and take a breather quick and get right back out there.”

Actually, Ultimate is a little like basketball, a little like football and somewhat like soccer, but all in all, it is quite simple.

"Basically it’s a pretty easy game,” DeGroot said. “You run around, a lot of running, catch a disk, pass it and you keep trying to pass it down the field until you get into the end zone."

If you have never played Ultimate, you need not worry. At pickup games (in which anyone can play) organizers explain the rules to you and even offer some tips.

"We go through that basically every week,” said DeGroot. “The easiest way to catch is basically a big alligator - slap the Frisbee and you're good."

You are good to go, even if you are not good at handling a Frisbee. Players quickly learn to pickup games that the sport is not competitive.

“We don’t even keep track here. This is just more fun, throwing around and having a good time,” DeGroot said.

In fact, there is not even a time limit on the games. DeGroot says everyone just plays until they get tired. And believe it – after a game of Ultimate you will feel tired.

"It definitely takes its toll but it’s fun exercise,” DeGroot said. “You don't really notice it at the time, but you're usually sore the next day."

But the relaxed atmosphere and players’ welcoming of newcomers helps a game of Ultimate feel like anything but a workout.

“It’s pretty fun,” said Allyson Voss, who played her first game Tuesday. “I've gotten the Frisbee a couple times and missed it a couple times, so it's been fun."

And the best part about Ultimate is it is free. You just need to bring yourself and maybe a pair of cleats.

“Every once in awhile I’ll have to wear tennis shoes because I’ll lose my cleats and I’ll usually fall on my butt at least four or five times,” DeGroot said.

But even then it is still fun.

If you are interested in getting involved in the Ultimate pickup games in Wausau, you are welcome to attend any Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. They play at Thom Field. You can find more information by clicking on the link below.

http://www.wausauultimate.com/Welcome.html

Or if you are interested in finding a pickup game closer to your home, click on the link below to see if games are held in your area.

http://www.upa.org/pickup/listings/WI