Every winter I hear a few different versions of the same complaint:
- “Cold enough for you?”
- “Can’t wait until Spring!”
- “It’s colder than a polar bear’s arse out there!” (which makes no sense, as a polar bear’s arse is 37 Celsius, so really even the hottest summer days are colder than a polar bear’s arse)
OK, so Ottawa winters can suck
I get where people are coming from though: Ottawa winters can suck. We should all hibernate from November to April, with perhaps a few brief moments of activity around late December to get blotto with our respective aunts Carol.
If you’re into exercise, or simply concerned about your health, this can be a problem. A winter spent indoors leads to a few extra pounds, and you might not manage to lose all of them in the spring, summer and fall. These pounds add up.
That’s what happened to me in 2013 anyway. I was at the heaviest I ever weighed and was facing some pretty serious health issues. It was then that I met my personal trainer, Burke Cleland. Burke’s a really good guy. He’s way more concerned with helping people get healthy and develop long term positive habits, than he is with helping people get six-pack abs.
The other day I was talking with Burke about the hibernation factor and how it would be nice to not have to spend more time in a gym than I really need to. I also didn’t necessarily want to go running outside. We ended up talking about some fun local fitness activities. Here’s what we came up with:
#1 – Tobogganning at Carlington Park
Says Burke: “I’m a big fan of tobogganning at Carlington Park. I try to get out there as often as I can.” It’s a fairly steep hill with long runs. But it’s only one option. Ottawa has 56 official sledding hills that you can take advantage of. There should be one close to your home.
Why Tobogganning? Not only does it make you feel like a member of the Olympic bobsled team, but it can also be some pretty awesome exercise. Walking back up the hill while pulling a sled or carrying a GT Racer is great cardio.
#2 – Ice Skating on the Canal
I was reading recently in the book Eat, Move, Sleep that we want to aim for about 10,000 steps a day. That’s the equivalent of a little more than 8 kilometers. With a cleared skating length of 7.8 kilometers, a one way trip down the full length of the Canal will help you reach that goal easily.
If you’ve never gone skating before you can buy a pair for cheap at places like Play-it-Again Sports (lowest advertised price at the time of writing this article – $69.99), or rent some from Capital Skates for $17 for 2hours.
Photo by Xiaozhuli on Flickr.
#3 – Snow Shoeing in the Greenbelt
Snow Shoeing is more of an investment, but if you love the outdoors, then it’s a great way to go. It’s a great way to go wildlife spotting in the winter, and an opportunity to see some truly beautiful Ottawa landscapes.
Because the terrain is more difficult and your feet are weighed down by boots and snow shoes, every step is more difficult than a conventional walk. According to Burke, “this means a better cardio workout and good exercise for your leg muscles as well.”
The NCC website lists seven trails in the Greenbelt, some of which make their way to Kingston. Beyond the Greenbelt, of course, there is also…
#4 – The Gatineau Park
I’m always amazed at how many people gravitate to The Gatineau Park for their exercise. Anyone who has ever driven to the Champlain Lookout can attest to how full it is with cyclists in the summer. But it’s just as busy in the winter.
With 55km of trails for snow shoeing and 200 km of cross-country skiing trails, the Gatineau Park is a hub of winter activity.
#5 – Walking Downtown at Night
Photo by Shawn Anctil.
“The important thing,” Burke often tells me, “is to be active in general.” So if the rest of these activities aren’t interesting to you, consider a walk around downtown. I’ve always enjoyed how the city looks after a fresh snowfall, and the benefits you get from simply walking around your neighbourhood can add up over time.
A few final tips from Burke: Regardless of the outdoor activity you decide on, make sure to bundle up and control irritation to your lungs and throat by reducing the intensity of cardio workouts. Nothing will stop an outdoor exercise routine faster than getting sick.
There’s no reason to spend the winter locked up indoors, or relying on a gym to get all their workouts in. Ottawa is an amazing city for outdoor activities. We’re uniquely priveledged to have all the amenities of the big city and yet be so close to nature.
This winter, instead of complaining, step outside and stay active. It’s colder than a polar bear’s arse all year round so you really have no excuse, do you?
Have any ideas for outdoor winter activities? Share them in the comments below.
PS – Burke’s got his own blog where he and his contributors write about fitness and nutrition here.
.gif)
