As January hits, the colder temperatures and snowy weather come too. Many of us like to hunker down and enjoy time snuggled up on the couch with a good Netflix binge, but Kingston offers so many fun ways to be active in the winter! The Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology recommends all adults move more throughout their day and reduce their sedentary time. They also recommend doing a variety of activities to make up 150 of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week. So, get up off the couch, bundle up, and enjoy these fun winter activities!
1. Winter Walks on Local Trails
Kingston and the surrounding area has hundreds of kilometers of trails to take in and enjoy! A quick trip to Lake Ontario Park or the K&P Trail, a little drive to the Cataraqui Trail or Rideau Trail outside the city, you are sure to get a nice winter walk in.
2. Skating at Market Square
Rent skates from Trailhead and enjoy a nice afternoon skate with friends/family. Take in the historic views of downtown Kingston and then warm up with some hot chocolate at one of the local cafes!
3. Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing
Rent equipment from Cataraqui Conservation Area, Trailhead, or take your own and get outside to explore all the lovely trails around us!
4. Winter Hike at a Local Conservation Area or Park
Kingston is lucky to be surrounded by so many conservation areas and provincial/national parks. Take some time to explore each of these:
Lemoine Point Conservation Area
Parrott’s Bay Conservation Area
Cataraqui Conservation Area
Gould Lake Conservation Area
Elbow Lake Environmental Education Centre
Frontenac Provincial Park
Charleston Lake Provincial Park
Thousand Islands National Park
5. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Head out to one of the many parks in the Kingston area and search for nature around you! Try this list!
Look for: 1x pinecone, 2x animal tracks, 1x berries on a branch, 5x winter birds (black-capped chickadee, downy woodpecker, northern cardinal, blue jay, white and red breasted nuthatches)
Listen for: 3x birds chirping, 1x water dripping,1x footsteps in the snow
Feel for: 2x tree bark, 1x ice, 1x snowflakes on your fingers and tongue
6. Five Minute Body Breaks
Take a break every couple of hours to reduce the amount of time you are sitting during the day. Try these 5 exercises!
7. Try a Virtual Fitness Class
Lots of local businesses have put their fun, exciting classes online! Check out a gym, yoga studio, or the Senior Centre to see what is available. Our RMT, Kat, also has great yoga classes at our West End Location to check out!
8. Go Sledding
Get outside with the whole family and enjoy the local hills! Here is a list of some of the best tobogganing sites in the city:
Fort Henry Hill
Lions Civic Gardens at Cataraqui Mall
Summerhill at Queen’s University
Third Ave Park
Hudson Park
Princess St & Portsmouth Ave
9. Play Outdoors with Your Kids
Build a snowman, snow fort, or paint the snow with food colouring and water!It’s a great way to get your blood pumping and will help keep you active.
10. Blast Some Music and Dance
Turn up your favourite tunes and have some fun! Have a competition and see who has the best dance moves because dancing can burn some calories and be good for your mental well-being.
If you’re experiencing pain, don’t know where to start, or want advice on getting active this winter season, book an appointment with one of our physiotherapists for a detailed assessment and treatment plan today!
Written by: Erlyn Fletcher-Roy,
Exercise photos from Physiotec