It’s time to move your body for better health and wellness.
This Saturday, May 10 is Move for Health Day, an international initiative sparked by the World Health Organization to encourage member countries to embrace and enhance movement of all kinds as a means to healthier living.
On the Sunshine Coast there are endless ways to participate at any fitness level.
Here are just a few ideas to get you moving:
Grab a pal, hit the gym and try a fitness class for half the usual price.
The Sunshine Coast Regional District is offering two-for-one drop-in admission at all facilities including the Gibsons and Area Community Centre, Gibsons and District Aquatic Facility, Pender Harbour Aquatic and Fitness Centre and Sechelt Aquatic Centre.
If you’ve been curious about any of the recreational facilities or activities, May 10 is the perfect day to get acquainted. Visit www.scrd.ca/recreation or call 604-885-PLAY (7529) for a full list of drop-in activities. In Sechelt and Gibsons you can drop into aqua-fit, weight-room, dryland fitness classes and public swims. In Gibsons there is also squash and racquetball.
Lace up your runners or hiking shoes and head out for a brisk stroll. For a beautiful beachside walk consider charming Bonnibrook in Gibsons. Start at Chaster Park (1577 Ocean Beach Esplanade) and walk along the path, then stroll further along the beach or quiet roadside and back, allowing 30 to 60 minutes.
In Sechelt the popular Davis Bay seawall makes a great level stroll, which you can adapt to your fitness level by doing repeats, as you desire. Just one length of the seawall is .9 km and if you include the Mission Point Park loop you’ll add another .5 km. It’s a great spot to watch kite boarders and paddle boarders or simply take in the sunset as you exercise. Or, walk downtown Sechelt along Trail Bay waterfront from the pier to Snickett Park and back.
Further up the Coast, Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park (access via Brooks Road off of Highway 101) offers 1.3 km of picturesque trails with lovely boardwalks through beaver ponds and habitat leading along and around the beautiful rocky oceanfront marine park.
If you want a bit more of a challenge, pack a snack, leash your pooch and walk or hike through Soames Hill Park. The 150-acre recreation area offers 5 km of trails weaving in around and to the top of Soames Hill with views over Gibsons, Keats Island and Bowen Island.
A main access and parking lot is located adjacent to Shirley Macey Park at Chamberlain Road and Esperanza Road in Gibsons. Trails are well marked and the summit takes about 40 to 45 minutes to reach.
Other ways to enjoy move for health day include tennis, mountain biking, kite flying and jogging. Or, consider renting a kayak or paddle board and enjoy the beauty of Sechelt Inlet and Porpoise Bay Marine Park. Mow the lawn, pick up the trowel and plant some seeds or spring flowers. Head out to see a local band, or select your own personal play list and dance. Whatever you plan to do this weekend, just remember to have fun and get up and move.
