Three fun ways to stay fit this winter

Now is the time to get active – or try something entirely new. These 3 ideas will keep your routine feeling fresh.

Join a recreational sports league

Looking for a social boost to ramp up your fitness? Try joining an adult recreational league. They’re a great way to stay accountable and engaged in your fitness routine, says Maureen Hagan, the vice-president of program innovation for GoodLife Fitness and canfitpro in Canada: “There is a level of accountability to show up when you’re there for other people, including accountability to be fit and contribute to the group.” Team sports can also make you feel like a kid again, adding an element of nostalgia to your workouts.Look online to see which sports are available in your area. You’ll likely find staple sports such as soccer and basketball, as well as more out-there options like lion dancing or Chinese Kung Fu.

Take a walk outside

There’s perhaps no simpler way to stay fit on a winter day than to take a brisk walk. Walking is the most natural sport and science shows there are literally hundreds of benefits including weight control, lower blood pressure, a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and improved mood. Walking outside also helps you get vitamin D, a nutrient your skin naturally produces when you’re exposed to the sun.

Any brisk walking offers benefits, but increasing your speed or altering the terrain can help you get more from each workout. Take shorter, more rapid steps to protect your joints and increase your cardio burn. Or take your workout to an uneven surface, like the beach. The soft sand challenges your muscles in a new way, increasing your health benefits.

Be an active camper

In Hong Kong, camping has become more and more popular. Makeyour camping trips part of a healthy lifestyle by planning your trip around activities like hiking, swimming, canoeing or kayaking and paddle-boarding.

Seek out destinations that allow access to water, trails or roads for cycling, says Hagan, and encourage your kids to try new activities on each trip. “If you’re into nature, make it an adventure,” she says. Enjoy birdwatching during a brisk walk, or admire the local flora

Sylvie Tremblay, July 14, 2017, 4 fun ways to stay fit this summer [Web page]. Retrieved from Canada Sun Life Corporate Website read the article

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