Nestled within 164 acres of mature pine trees and hardwood forest, the secluded golf course at Quail Ridge Country Club surrounds visitors in natural splendor. Course architect Mark Mungeam of Cornish, Silva, and Mungeam, Inc., designed the fairways to harmonize with the naturally rolling terrain, where occasional stone walls line the edges of what were once farmers’ fields. After teeing off, players choose carefully among their bag’s fairway woods, long irons, and golf-ball-sized blowguns as they confront a first hole whose fairway unfurls over nearly 365 uphill yards. The course doesn’t let up after that—recently redesigned as a 9-hole, par 70 championship layout, it keeps golfers on their toes right up to the end of each round. Off the course, players gain the skills needed to meet such challenges by frequenting the chipping area or practice putting green. During lessons held in these practice spots, head teaching pro John Carco harnesses more than 15 years of experience to help students eliminate slice and perfect their swing. The country club’s family center hosts a snack bar where golfers can fuel up for a round, stash their belongings in lockers, or build ball-driving muscles at the fitness center. Just a hop and a skip from the family center, the club’s 3,200-square-foot outdoor pool entices visitors of all stripes with its widely varied facilities. Athletes zip down 75-foot swim lanes, parents and kids splash in a baby pool with zero-grade entry, and sunbathers bask on more than 4,500 square feet of deck. On four adjacent tennis courts, serves rebound off of Har-Tru clay surfaces, and windscreens keep out distracting breezes and lost pool-goers murmuring "Marco?" Additionally, Quail Ridge is currently offering FootGolf, a combination of golf and soccer.

At Wah Lum Kung Fu of Concord, instructors Andrea Sheffield and Evan Hughes can't rest on their laurels. That's because their style of kung fu—which can trace its storied lineage some 350 years back to China's Shantung province—requires that instructors are recertified every three years. This special certification is done by none other than Grandmaster Pui Chan, the sixth-generation successor of the style, and the only Wah Lum master in the United States. During classes for adults and children as young as 6, Sheffield and Hughes focus on teaching not only the Wah Lum system's technical curriculum, but also respect, discipline, and control. Students can learn these skills through games, drills, and exercises that keep their minds sharp and their bodies fit. Besides kung fu, clients can find a wealth of health-boosting programs, including two styles of tai chi and the Integrated Wellness class, which combines traditional qi gong movements with modern-day strength and conditioning drills individually modified for each participant's level of ability.

Martial arts at Acton's Mass Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a great workout that will leave you feeling Zen. Don't deny your stomach an immaculate meal when you try this studio's restaurant. No need to splurge on a baby sitter — tots will be right at home at this studio. Think on your feet, get rid of stress and learn new self-defense movements in this MMA class. Learn how to properly defend yourself with one of these kickboxing classes. Tired of difficult commutes? Park the car nearby or take public transit to Mass Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Parking is plentiful, so patrons can feel free to bring their vehicles.

Scott Ferguson may be a high-school math teacher, but he's also a serious history buff. He brings his passion for studying the greatest medieval and Renaissance swordsmen to his role as chief instructor at Swords of Chivalry. There, he instructs kids and adults in the finer points of swordplay as well as the history of weapons fighting, answering questions about why maces and morning stars were used in certain battles, and foam pool noodles in others. Students are closely monitored to ensure safety and to foster a respectful attitude toward combat.

Martial arts at Acton's Acton Kenpo is a great workout that will leave you feeling Zen. Learn how to properly defend yourself with one of these kickboxing classes. Sweat and fight your way to your fitness goals with a high-intensity MMA class. Parking is plentiful, so patrons can feel free to bring their vehicles.

You know what they say. Exercise makes your body happy. And with a low impact sport like tennis, the courts offered at Acton's Acton Indoor Tennis Assoc will make your joints happy, too. Parking is plentiful, so visitors can feel free to bring their vehicles.