Ten Ways to Stay Physically Active This Winter

Winter is here. So what can you be doing to keep active and enjoy each and every winter day? Let’s explore what you can be doing for 30 minutes, 5 days a week — Ottawa has so much to offer.

Ten ways to stay physically active this winter

1. Get outside for a walk

Bundle up with plenty of layers and head out while the sun is shining for a beautiful winter walk. You can keep it simple and go around your neighbourhood, or explore different trails around the city. Ottawa has some excellent walking trails that come with wintery scenery. Here are a few to try:

• Old Quarry Trail (1.9 km or 2.7 km)
• Jack Pine Trail (about 3.1 km)
• Mer Bleue (many different trails)
• Beaver Pond Trail (2.0 km)
• Gatineau Park has four winter trails: Capital Pathway (1.6 km), Pioneers Trail (1.3 km), Laurialt Trail (4.5 km) and Sugarbush Trail (3 km)

Check the Gatineau Park visitor information for more on which winter trails are open.

2. Snowshoeing

With the large amounts of snow we get here, snowshoeing can be an excellent alternative to walking. Head out with a friend even if it’s just a quick half hour — we’d highly recommend going in the morning after a big snowfall. If you tend to lose your balance, try using a pair of poles.

3. Go to a mall or a museum and get those steps in

If it’s a little too cold out, or ice is covering the sidewalks, head to your local mall or a museum. Walking through the mall can absolutely get your steps in — although you may want to leave the wallet at home. A museum is another great option: find one that interests you and try to go through the whole thing. Most Ottawa museums are free to enter on Thursday evenings after 5pm.

4. Cross-country skiing

If you’re really looking for a good workout, try cross-country skiing. There are plenty of beautiful trails around Ottawa. Start slow and go with a friend. You can even rent a pair of skis at Mooney’s Bay.

5. Find an indoor pool

Check out the City of Ottawa public pools and try an open or lane swim. Or if you’re interested, give us a call at LiquidGym and try one of our rehab and training programs here.

6. Skating along the canal or the Rink of Dreams

The Rideau Canal Skateway runs directly through the centre of Ottawa and creates a 7.8 km skating rink. This winter you could set a goal to skate the entire length by the end of the season. The Rink of Dreams is another great option, right by City Hall — nice and smooth, with a BeaverTails truck usually nearby for a post-skate treat.

7. Walk along the canal

If you’re not a big fan of skating, there are always plenty of people enjoying a beautiful walk along the side of the canal.

8. Build a snowman

This gives your legs and arms a good workout, plus you get a festive reward after. Just make sure to keep an upright posture and lift from your legs.

9. Shovel your driveway

Another one that works the legs and arms. Keep an upright posture, lift from your legs rather than your back, and push the snow rather than carrying it wherever you can.

10. Sign up for community online workouts and activities

If it’s too cold, or being outdoors in the winter isn’t for you, try an online workout or a virtual session with a therapist at LiquidGym to get your body moving from home.