Movement is incredibly important to people of all sizes and ages.  Current expert guidelines recommend everyone (regardless of age) gets at least 150 minutes of activity per week – that’s about 30 minutes of increased activity a day.  It doesn’t have to be in a row either!  This can be difficult in the winter, so here are some ideas on things you can do to keep your heart rate up:

• Your local Community Centre
  • Indoor & Outdoor Skating
  • Fitness classes, Indoor track, Full weight centre
  • Gymnasium for pick-up sports
• Hiking: Tottenham Trail from the Tottenham Conservation Area, Simcoe County Trails
• Cross-country skiing:  Kortright Conservation Centre, Hardwood Hills
• Downhill skiing:  Blue Mountain, Horseshoe Resort, Mt St Louis Moonstone, Snow Valley
• Snowshoeing:  Horseshoe Resort, Scenic Caves Nordic Centre, Wye Marsh
• Indoor exercises
  • Treadmills, stationary bikes, jumping rope
  • Exercise videos, available free on YouTube!
• Inject activity throughout the day: Take the stairs at home, walk to the store!

The activity doesn’t have to be vigorous or hard.  Getting moving can help with Seasonal Affective Disorder, seasonal weight gain, improving your immune system function and maintaining your social life!  Get out and enjoy the beautiful winter!