Ideas to Keep You Active During the Winter

Despite the cold, there are numerous fun activities to keep you moving throughout the winter!

  • The city of Ottawa has numerous walking programs around the city:

Ben Franklin Park Superdome (near Greenbank and Hunt Club) and Walter Baker Sports Centre (Barrhaven).

Both of these facilities have drop-in walking programs starting Dec. 15.
Mon., Wed., Fri.: 9 am – 11:30 am
Tues., Thurs.: 1:30 pm – 4 pm
$2 entry fee

Mall-walking programs are everywhere! See this link for a comprehensive list of malls offering these programs (also includes outdoor and community walking programs):
http://heartwise.ottawaheart.ca/sites/heartwise.ottawaheart.ca/files/site/ottawa_walking_programs_2014.pdf

  • Various athletic facilities across the city offer a wide-range of exercise classes. Check out the closest centre to you for a variety of fun programs, including aqua-fitness, chair exercises (ages 50+) etc. Some facilities with arenas even have free-skate programs, as well as, adult skating lessons.

See: http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/parks-and-recreation/recreation-facilities for an interactive guide to recreation facilities near you.

  • Why not take advantage of the local festivals and activities unique to Ottawa and the surrounding area?

Instead of driving downtown to see the Christmas light displays, why not see them on foot? Enjoy the lights around the downtown and Parliament Hill area.
Visit Alight at Night at Upper Canada Village (Dec. 5 to Jan. 3). Walk around to see the various historical house dressed up for the holidays.
See: http://www.uppercanadavillage.com/index.cfm/en/activities/alight-at-night/ for details.
Go for a skate (or even a walk) on the Rideau Canal.
Explore the different activities and displays of Winterlude (Jan. 30 – Feb. 16).
Explore Gatineau Park – a multitude of scenic pathways, each offering beautiful scenery and different levels of difficulty.

  • Try snow-shoeing!

Anyone can use them. Hint: they make a convenient and affordable Christmas gift – to yourself or a friend!
Available at sporting goods stores, including Canadian Tire (starting at $60).

  • Worried about balance during outdoor activities? Use poles to help! Not only can they improve your balance, but poles will also engaging your tricep, bicep, chest and back muscles (starting at $40 at Canadian Tire; large selection at MEC, prices vary)
  • For those looking for an exciting change of indoor activity, SkyZone is an indoor trampoline park which offers a variety of activities, including free jump sessions and SkyRobics (Tues. and Thurs. from 7-8 pm. Reservation required).
  • Don't forget, there are lots of gyms city-wide that can cater to your various needs:

Anytime Fitness Gym on Carling Ave.
24-hour fitness gym, with private bathrooms.
Liquid Gym in Bells Corners
Trainers and physiotherapists available.
Offers lower impact activities (including both underwater bikes and treadmills).
Free 30 minute introduction!

  • Other ideas to keep you active:

Yoga
Aqua-fitness
Skiing/snowboarding
Curling
For individuals with young children: tobogganing and snowman-building can be a fun way to involve the kids in your activities.
Feeling "peopled-out” over the holidays? Make some alone time for yourself by going to the gym or going for a walk.

Remember: Just because it's cold outside, doesn't mean that staying active can't be fun! Also, while winter gear can be a hassle to get ready, after you have found your mittens and hat the first time, it gets much so easier!

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