Fun ideas to get fit outside the gym

This post is for you, our community of wonderful and supportive wait-listers and pre signup members who are waiting patiently for the Grand Opening of Glow Fitness for Women in Selkirk!

If you are looking to start getting active -  but your gym is not open yet! - or maybe you are just looking for ways to get fit outside of the gym, we have put together a fun list of local winter activities to try around Selkirk Manitoba:

Explore Manitoba - Try Cross Country Skiing

Manitoba's Parks are transformed into winter wonderlands at this time of year, ready for exploring on skis or snowshoes!

We live in the prairies and it's winter, cross country skiing takes full advantage of this opportunity for an amazing full-body cardiovascular workout that keeps you warm even on bone-chilling windy days. 
Manitoba has many beautiful cross country ski trails in our provincial parks, including beginner (no hills) to intermediate and advanced trails.  Close to Selkirk, options include Birds Hill Provincial Park, which has lots of trails to choose from, Larters at St. Andrews, and gorgeous trails in Gimli.
​If you don't have skis, you can rent them from places like Mountain Equipment Co-op. 
Try exploring new parks for a fun adventure! Hecla Island and Gimli have beautiful trails, and many trails in the Whiteshell to explore too.

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Take a 30 day yoga challenge - with YouTube!

You can take an easy, at home yoga challenge no matter what your yoga level is by putting on YouTube. Our favourite YouTube yoga instructor is Yoga with Adriene - what a wonderful way to de-stress in the comfort of your home after the holidays!
You can warm up your yoga practice before we open your beautiful new yoga studio in Selkirk.  Check out our favourite 30-day YouTube Yoga challenge here.

More old-fashioned winter fun - play outside!

Playing outside makes working out fun! Although some might work harder than others!

Have fun with your workout!  By taking your workout outside, you will get the added benefit of fresh air and the best source of Vitamin D - something which we often lack in the winter time.
Feel invigorated with a fun winter activity like skating, snow shoeing, and yes, even tobogganing - even though you might be working on balance, strengthening your legs, or doing some serious hill workouts - you will hardly notice because you'll be having too much fun!  Bring the kids or grab your friends and hit the nearest skating rink in town, or visit The Forks (where they rent skates if you don't have any) and check out those warming huts everyone is always talking about.
For a winter sport that is more indoors, try curling!  The Selkirk Curling Club offers workshops and open bonspiels throughout the winter.

Stay warm - go swimming

Swimming is a wonderful workout that is great for all abilities of strength and fitness. It is a low-impact cardio and strength exercise that also has its own brand of anti-stress, because being submerged in water during a workout helps to enhance feelings of calmness. 
It's easy to try swimming in Selkirk, the Selkirk Community Pool has drop-in lap swimming available right now most mornings and evenings. 

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Try Horseback riding

Yes you can!  We noticed that St. Andrews Stables has warm indoor arenas and offers horseback riding lessons for all ages and abilities. Spend a little time in the stable to put a pep in your step this January!  

Practice your swing

If you like to golf in the summer, why not practice your swing in the winter? There are driving ranges that offer indoor winter driving range spots, and simulated golf that lets you practice your swing even on the coldest days.

Bundle up and go for a walk - with a friend

It's easy to do, it's a wonderful stress reliever, and it doesn't cost a thing. 
For the most benefits, walk with a friend. It's a great way to catch up, and some studies show that spending time with friends might be even better for your health than exercising!
Worried about slipping on ice or just hate the cold? There's always mall walking! The malls do open early for this, and sure, it might seem silly, but it makes a safe and warm place to get your steps in, and you get to see what's new in the shops - but you can't be tempted to buy, because the mall walking hours are in the morning, before the stores are open. 

The takeaway? Make fitness fun -
​and invite your friends!

At GLOW, we believe that making your workout something that you truly enjoy is the best way to be consistent and feel your best. We also believe that spending time with friends is the ultimate way to enhance your workout. 
Our circuit and yoga studio is designed to be enjoyable, and to be experienced as a community. 
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Thank you for being part of our community as we prepare to open your new gym in Selkirk!