Many recent guides to healthy living suggest that the average human being should be adding some form of exercise to their daily routine everyday, with aerobic exercise being added 3 to 5 of those days. It sounds like a lot but it's really not that difficult, especially in the summer. Exercise can include everything from standard walking, running or cycling to playing frisbee, playing catch or dancing. Here are some tips to help you get active this summer.
- Make a goal to try five new activities this summer. Whether you're doing it on your own, with your friends or your loved ones, you'll find there are many different types of activities to choose from. For example you can teach your kids to play bocce, try a salsa class with your hubby (if you can convince him), learn how to throw a rugby ball, try a round of beach volleyball or take a water aerobics class. If you really want to challenge yourself, hike The Chief in Squamish or take a kayaking lesson in Deep Cove.
- Take a hike. The North Shore offers an unbelievable number of beautiful hiking trails that range from easy to difficult. Try parts of the Baden Powell Trail, Lynn Canyon, the Capilano River or the Seymour Conservation Forest. Just remember to go prepared. Always map out your trail, have water and a snack, leave enough time before dark and wear the appropriate gear.
- Try going to a new beach. Typically, we all have our favourite sun spot in the summer whether it is Ambleside or Spanish Banks. Take the time this summer to find a new sunny venue to enjoy your Saturday afternoons. When packing your beach bag for the old or new destination fill it with things to keep you busy, such as a soccer ball, frisbee or snorkel. This is a great way to add some exercise into your weekends.
- Eco out your summer holiday by lessening the carbon emissions you use. Rather than flying somewhere for your summer vacation find a destination you can drive to. Take a road trip (with or without the kids) to Vancouver Island or the interior of BC. Depending on your interests, you can plan a fabulous getaway that will feel like you're a thousand miles from home. From the golf and wine tours in the Okanagan, to the whale watching and surfing in Ucluelet and Tofino there's a holiday to fit everyone's vacation needs.
