Fall always feels like New Year’s to me.  It’s likely connected to going back-to-school as a kid, looking forward to new activities and meeting new friends. The lethargy of those hot August days gives way to a renewed energy once the air turns crisp and the leaves start to turn. I feel like being active again.

This fall I’m giving thought to how I want to approach my fitness routine over the coming months. The pandemic changed my perspective on exercising indoors, so I’ve spent the past year focusing on outside activities, like hiking and pickleball. 

At 85 years of age Barrie Street knows a thing or two about fitness and healthy aging.  He’s participated in team sports most of his life, as both a player and a coach and has travelled to more than 50 countries around the world.  He loves to share his wisdom and experience with others through his actions and through his website.

As we slowly re-emerge from the pandemic crisis, it is fitting to acknowledge and appreciate our public parks. As difficult as the last year has been, it would have been so much worse without our parks, trails and greenways. Our local parks are where we can exercise, relax, gather safely with others, connect to nature and heal. Celebrate our outdoor spaces this June and check out some excellent NVRC outdoor programs this summer!

High school students from Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School in North Vancouver are learning lessons for a lifetime during weekly workouts at Ron Andrews Community Recreation Centre.  It’s all part of the Active Living Program, led by Neil Pinkerton, the school’s director of counselling services.

 “I think this program is amazing,” Neil said.  “I have watched the students transform into healthier, happier, more productive people as they experience how exercise improves their physical and emotional wellbeing. They inspire me with their commitment and enthusiasm.”

Paul Thompson is a regular at Harry Jerome pool, but you have to get there early to catch him at it.  He starts at 6:00am, swimming in the Masters Program at Harry Jerome Pool.  Paul feels swimming helps keep him healthy, strong and mentally sharp.  

 “Any form of exercise offers health benefits,” Paul said.  “I like swimming because it is low impact and aerobic and you come out feeling refreshed.”

There are excellent, free fitness apps to choose from, from step trackers to online workouts. The following list provides some interesting challenges to consider. Once you find one you would like to try, commit to it for 30 days. Set aside the time in your calendar/phone/day timer and record your progress. If you fall off the wagon one day, no big deal. Be kind to yourself but also be firm. Get back to it the next day and restart your challenge. 

The New Year has begun and, after the holiday excesses, it’s a good time to return to a basic fitness routine. NVRC fitness centres are open for book-ahead sessions and personal trainers are ready to help you out. For those staying close to home right now, the following ParticipACTION circuit workout provides an excellent, quick (7 to 15 minutes) and effective workout without special equipment. It gives a boost to your metabolism, mental sharpness and heart and hormonal health!

Resolving to lose weight in 2021? Here are a few reasons why you might want to reconsider your approach:

Reason No. 1

The first is that it’s not directly under your control. You can (or at least attempt to) control what you eat and how much you exercise. But you can’t directly control the number you see on the scale.

For a season that revolves around delicious treats, gifts and good times, the winter holidays are too often synonymous with stress and busyness. This year has added on a whole new layer of challenges, but that’s OK! With physical activity in your back pocket, there are still plenty of ways to stay happy and healthy during the festive weeks.

While North Vancouver Recreation & Culture (NVRC) fitness centres remain open for book-ahead sessions, there are many people who are opting to stay close to home right now. NVRC would like to encourage everyone to stay as active as possible during the pandemic. Staying active is crucial for staying physically healthy and mentally, as well as emotionally, resilient.