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Get Moving!

Ten great ways to get active today!

Getting physically active doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive or grueling. All you have to do is move it! February is Heart Month and the Heart and Stroke Foundation encourages all Canadians to commit to becoming physically active. Stop a heart attack before it starts!

Here are some simple, effective ideas to get you moving!

Walk it off!
Walking is probably the simplest heart-healthy activity. All you need is a good pair of shoes and the will to do it. Join a walking club, walk around the block, or in the park, or simply incorporate more walking into your daily routine.

Do it the old-fashioned way!
Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Wash and wax your car yourself, instead of taking it to a car wash. Trade in your power lawnmower for a push mower, or walk to the corner store instead of driving.

Go for a spin!
Indoor cycling, better known as “spinning” uses specially designed stationary bikes. With classes for all fitness levels, it’s a high-energy group exercise that integrates music, camaraderie and visualization and provides a great cardiovascular workout.

Ommmm....
Try yoga. It’s a great exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels. Yoga helps develop balance, strength, flexibility, cardiovascular capacity and overall well-being. It also has a meditative aspect, which, many people find, is a great stress reliever. There are many different kinds of yoga so do some homework to find out which one is right for you.

Sleek and strong
Created more than 80 years ago as an exercise for dancers, Pilates offers a slower-paced exercise that focuses on core muscle strength and mind-body health. It helps improve strength, posture, flexibility and body awareness to build sleek, strong muscles.

Cool ideas
Downhill or cross country skiing, skating, building snowmen, making snow angels and snowshoeing are all great winter activities. Parents who participate in physical activity with their children tend to be in better physical condition themselves and set a great example for their children.

Go fly a kite...
or kick the ball around, throw a Frisbee, skip rope, play tag, take a family walk or bike ride…the possibilities are endless! Instead of watching your kids or grandkids play in the backyard or the park, why not join them? Check out our recess games. They provide fun and fitness – two key factors in keeping us all active every day!

Dig into gardening!
Once the warm weather hits, get outdoors and into the garden. All the digging, raking, fertilizing, planting, pruning and watering are a great way to get keep you – and your plants – blooming!

Dance!
Dancing is a great activity that gets your heart moving and your spirit soaring. Consider enrolling in a dance class or simply pump up the volume on the stereo and bop in the comfort of your own home.

Freewheeling
There are few activities as much fun, or as beneficial to your health as bicycling. It’s a great way to explore your neighbourhood – alone, or with friends and family.