Spring is a fantastic time to embrace outdoor activities and keep active. There are so many ways to keep an active lifestyle. Here are some of our favourite top Spring activities to keep you moving:
Hiking: Explore local trails and parks to enjoy the beauty of nature as it comes back to life after winter. Hiking is a great way to improve cardiovascular health and strengthen leg muscles. There are too many to list, but All Trails is a good site to find a hike to suit you.
Cycling: Dust off your bike and hit the road or trails for a scenic ride. Cycling is a low-impact exercise that's gentle on the joints while still providing a fantastic workout for the legs and cardiovascular system. For those that want to ride a little more, check out Steveston Velo who we sponsor.
Outdoor Yoga: Take your yoga practice outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Many parks offer outdoor yoga classes during the spring months, or you can simply roll out your mat in your backyard or a nearby green space. Check out yoga on the dock at Britannia Shipyards.
Gardening: Channel your inner green thumb and spend time planting flowers, vegetables, or herbs in your garden. Gardening is a great way to stay active while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of being in nature. See the link in our Spring newsletter with the link to London Farm’s upcoming sale.
Team Sports: Join a local sports league or gather some friends for a game of soccer, basketball, or ultimate frisbee. Team sports are not only a fun way to stay active but also provide social interaction and camaraderie. Doubles pickleball counts!
Outdoor Bootcamp: Take your workout outside with a bootcamp-style fitness class held in a park or outdoor space. These classes often incorporate a mix of cardio, strength training, and bodyweight exercises for a full-body workout.
Paddle Sports: If you live near water, try kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding. These activities provide an excellent workout for the upper body while allowing you to enjoy the beauty of lakes, rivers, or the ocean. I like to paddle in Steveston Harbour (see photo).
Spring Cleaning: Turn household chores into a workout by tackling spring cleaning tasks like scrubbing floors, washing windows, or organizing closets. You'll burn calories while giving your home a fresh start for the season. Okay not really my favourite but can be a workout.
Nature Walks: Take leisurely walks in parks or nature reserves to observe the sights and sounds of spring. Look for blooming flowers, budding trees, and wildlife as you stroll along trails or pathways.
Outdoor Workouts: Take advantage of outdoor fitness equipment at local parks or create your own workout routine using benches, stairs, and other features of the landscape. Bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups can be done anywhere. Check out Minoru park.
Whatever you choose, remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and listen to your body's signals during any outdoor activities. Enjoy the warmer weather and the opportunity to stay active in the great outdoors. As my good friend, Nadia often says, “Look where we live!” and enjoy!
By Linda Maedel Registered Physiotherapist & Outdoors Enthusiast