A New Year: 3 Ways to Feel Great & Be Active in 2018

Happy New Year! Here we go! It’s 2018! We’re going do all those things we said we’re going to do. Let’s go! Be healthy! Eat less junk! Lose that weight! Exercise every day! Go! Go! Go!

Personally, I find New Year’s resolutions a bit tiring. They are good intentions that are often set up to fail. We are a culture that wants measurable results fast. (Read: weight loss)

When I begin working with people, I always ask, “How do you feel? How do you want to feel? What does being healthy look like to you?” The answer is never as straight forward as a number on a scale.

Being healthy is a way of life.

I’m inviting people who want to make resolutions to ‘get healthy’ and ‘take better care of themselves’ to begin with some basic lifestyle changes. It’s the first step to creating a framework of self-awareness and habits that are sustainable, enjoyable and fulfilling.

So, if you are resolving to ‘feel better’ or ‘take better care of yourself’ in 2018, I’ve put together my top three habit changes that will lay the groundwork for you to work toward your healthy lifestyle.

Starting today. Right now.

1. LESS SCREEN TIME 

Participate in real life with undivided attention. The next time you are at The Forks, put your phone away. Or better yet, leave it at home. Be present with the people you’re with. I’ve started the practice of phone-free outings on the weekend. We are ridiculously tethered to communication. If I’m meeting you at The Common I’ll USE MY EYES to find you instead of texting. My phone-free days are relaxing. You see the world. Notice people around you. Don’t wait in a line and mindlessly scroll, just be. Starting point: turn your phone to airplane mode when you’re hanging out with pals.

2. DEVELOP HEALTHY TOOLS TO MANAGE STRESS

We all have stress. It’s an inevitable part of life. Identifying plausible and sustainable self-awareness strategies to manage those tougher days is a game changer in mental health. My go to is a run. Nothing clears the head and gives me a fresh perspective like a run. Take a bath. Read a book. Go outside for a walk. Connect with nature. Starting point: after a rough day, go for a 10-minute walk before that glass of wine. See how it feels.

3. SAY YES TO NEW THINGS

It has long been said that having new experiences is one of the most fulfilling parts of life. Old habits die hard. Stop saying no. Try something new. Be open. It’s amazing how life can open up when you step out of your comfort zone. You don’t know what you like until you try it. You have to build your healthy lifestyle by trying new things to see what fits. Starting point: when someone asks you to go for a skate, instead of saying “I don’t skate” you say: “I’ve never skated but am going to try!” (Then send me an email and I’ll give you some skate lessons!)

These three practices are pillars to my health and happiness. Even if you only resolve to try one of them, it will nudge you in the right direction. Make the changes from the inside out—the right way to build a sustainable healthy life for the mind, body and soul.

Looking forward to more health, happiness and adventures at The Forks in 2018! Happy New Year!


Other posts that might interest you:

• Get Going: Commuting with Company Using GoManitoba
• Get Going: What You Need To Know About GoManitoba
• Getting Cozy: Winter Prep in The Forks Market

Get Going: Commuting with Company Using GoManitoba

It’s no secret that I believe movement should be integrated into our daily lives. One of the ways to maintain long-term health is to create routines and habits to move our bodies while fulfilling other purposes at the same time. Like commuting. Everyday, I have to get to my studio somehow, so might as well use my body to it.

When I heard there was a new app that helped connect like-minded commuters to one another, I knew I had to give it a try. After all, it combines all of my favourite things – being outside, active commuting and meeting new people.

The Go Manitoba app is for all types of commuters – walkers, cyclists, transit takers and drivers. After entering your home and work/school destination, it provides a list of all potential commuters in your area. There are six cyclists and four walkers in my neighbourhood! I have never winter cycled—I’m thinking this would be a great opportunity to pair up with someone who can show me the ropes of winter cycling!

But for now, I was mostly interested in finding someone to walk with. So I arranged a walk with Kristin, who was also walking along the river trail to The Forks.

Winnipeg is such a small city—turns out I TOTALLY know Kristin. Ha! So we grabbed a coffee and made our way from the Village to downtown via The Forks on a sunny winter morning.

It was so nice to have someone to walk with! I’m mostly a solo walker, so it was great to have someone to chat with as a change of pace. If you wanted to start the habit of walk commuting, I think many people would benefit from having a walking buddy to help hold them accountable to the habit. When someone is expecting you—you have to show up!

For those not within walking distance of their workplace, the ride share option seems like it would be quite useful. Save money on parking, fewer cars on the road, and better for the environment. And, potentially…make a new friend!

Would you try active commuting if you had a buddy? Sign up for the Go Manitoba app and see who’s around you to try active commuting with!


Lindsay Somers is a Lifestyle Health Coach you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram. All photos by Janine Kropla.


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Shoulder Season Solutions: Three Ways to be Active at the Forks This Month

November. The Thursday of winter. The colourful leaves of fall have left and the waiting game for real winter begins. It can be a challenge to find motivation to go outside and be active this month.

I work with all kinds of people with all kinds of challenges doing their best to make time and find a workout they actually enjoy doing. With that in mind, I’ve put together three different workouts for you to try this month to get you outside and moving (and training for skating season!).    

Sally from St Vital says, “working out isn’t fun and I’m too busy anyway.”

1. The November Project

This is one big workout party. I love this workout because it uses the urban space around The Forks as its gym. Climbing, lunging, jumping—it’s always fun and always different. The leaders are incredibly motivating in a positive shout-y way. 

It’s no wonder they have a core dedicated following that keeps coming back. And, the best/worst part? It’s only on Wednesdays at 6:14am. There’s not much conflict at that time other than sleep. 

Fun fact: morning worker-outers are more likely to stick to a program.  

It’s really quite fun: I did a workout last year, which can read about here.

George from Garden City thinks, “meh, I’m so bored of the gym and I’m a lone wolf.”  

2. 20 minute Forks Workout

If giant workout groups and early mornings aren’t your thing, I have a great workout for you to do on your own, on your own time and at your own pace. It’s a great full-body workout that takes you on a tour around The Forks. I put it together as a spring workout, but (surprise!) you can do it year-round. It’s multi-level and a can be scaled up or down based on your fitness level. 

Then, post workout, head on in to The Common for a glass of red wine while you stretch it out. Win-win!  Bonus for parents of MTYP and Dance Conservatory students: you can do this workout and STILL have time for that glass of wine while your child is singing, dancing and acting! 

Check out the full workout here.

Patty from Point Douglas feels, “my schedule is bananas and I don’t even have time to see my friends or family” workout.

3. Walk/Run the Forks Loop date

I am a big fan of making my workout time multipurpose. It becomes much more than a workout, because it’s also valuable time I spend with people I like. My biggest tip to being consistent with your workout: have a buddy. I run outside year-round with my running pal. It’s invigorating and powerful to bundle up and go. Then, post loop, keep the conversation going and head on into The Common for a snack and a drink! There is no shame in motivational wine.

Try running and walking The Forks loop.

Still not convinced? I get it. Nothing is fun when you’re cold. Here’s a little song and dance reminder on how to start layering up for the cooler season.

Sound good? See you outside guys! Smile and say hi! ;)

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Lindsay Somers is a Lifestyle Health Coach. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

Other posts that might interest you:

• Get Going: What You Need To Know About GoManitoba
• Getting Cozy: Winter Prep in The Forks Market
• Making Friends at The Forks Starts With Hello

Swing Dance + Other Free Activities to Get You Grooving at The Forks

Anytime you’re at The Forks it’s hard not to notice all the great events happening. It is the hub of summer activity in Winnipeg! Everyone knows about the Canada Summer Games and Interstellar Rodeo. But did you know that there are many classes, lessons and tours happening every day at The Forks? I recently went out of my comfort zone and tried one of the classes I never thought I would do — and it was so much fun!

Swing dancing! Now, my dancing skills are very, very limited. I truly do not know my left from my right. I’m more of a swaying side to side dancer. Any sort of organized moves always leave me confused and giggling. (Step aerobics are IMPOSSIBLE.)  But, when I found out my husband was an avid swing dancer in the late 90s and won competitions (?!) I pretty much had to try a class just to see his moves!

We decided to make a full night of it. We took the water bus from the Hugo Docks. With a boat arriving every 15 minutes it’s easy to just show up knowing a boat will arrive soon. Travelling to The Forks by boat is pretty magical. The wind in your hair while you shuttle along the river on a hot summer night feels so good. And, being out on the river always offers a fresh perspective to the city. At $3.50 each way, you have to try it out. It’s cheaper than parking! Also: bikes are permitted on the boat. So, if you’re not within walking distance to one of the docks you could ride over and bring your bike to The Forks. A whole new way to park and ride!

Before our our lessons we zipped into The Common for a glass of wine. Every time I sit at the bar at The Common, I always meet the most interesting people. It is the best spot to strike up a conversation with visitors to Winnipeg. I have made friends from all around the world at this bar. I may have even coaxed a few of them to join me for skating lessons this past winter! I almost convinced this guy to join us for dancing!  (he was already committed to other plans)

After a quick drink we made our way over to the canopy for our lessons! We joined a group of about 30 people of all ages. I immediately was so excited.

The "Swinging at Sunset" dance lessons happen every Tuesday at 7PM under the canopy. Lessons are free, you just show up! No partner needed. They have the music, the instructors and the fun! Our instructor Emily gave basic simple instructions to start. We stood in a circle and she slowly and clearly demonstrated the triple step and the rock step. Then we’d practice with our partners for a bit before adding to the moves. We even made it to the ‘turn’ level! It was quite easy to learn despite my directional challenges.

Then, after learning the moves, we’d switch partners! So fun. Bob, the super dancer gracefully lead his partners around and around. Me? I laughed and stumbled with my partners. The moves weren’t as precise - but they were fun! When else would I have an opportunity to connect with a tie dyed t-shirt wearing 20 something year old? Or meet Dee, the former 80s Blue Bomber cheerleader. It was a great vibe and so energizing to be surrounded by people who just wanted to dance and have fun.

After about 30 minutes of lessons it was all freestyle swing dancing! Swing music is so happy. We galloped around under the canopy swinging around. Bob confidently swung me in and out, turning me this way and that way, it was hilarious. It’s a pretty excellent way to spend a summer evening. I legitimately learned a few dance moves too!

I’ve only begun to scratch the surface of what community programs The Forks offers. From the hardcore fitness go-ers to senior fitness classes to skateboarding lessons - there is something for everybody. If swing dancing isn’t your thing, here’s a list of all the active community events that you can try out this month at The Forks:

Skateboarding lessons

I AM Fitness senior fitness classes

Parent and child fitness classes Fit 4 Two

Lunchtime bootcamp classes

The November Project

Walking Eco Tour

Indigenous oral bike tour

Square, line and clogging dancing

Last year I did a November Project workout and blogged about it here. And I received tips from Frances, the 90 year old superstar of the I AM Fitness classes for seniors.

Let’s go play outside at The Forks! Can’t wait to see you there!

Lindsay Somers is a Lifestyle Health Coach in Winnipeg. You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram. All Photos by Mark Reimer.

City Adventure Workout: Paddle to The Forks

I love a city that embraces the water around it. Winnipeg may not be a coastal city, but we do have over 200 km of rivers that run through our city. In winter, we make excellent use of our frozen rivers, with over 10,000 people skating on it every season. But, in summer we don’t venture out on the water as much. Mud-bottomed rivers aren’t ideal for swimming, so I thought I’d check out another way to enjoy the river in its unfrozen state — paddling. Inspired by my pals Kate and Lynne, frequent urban paddlers, we gathered up some fellow adventurers and spent an afternoon paddling from the west Perimeter to The Forks…

Our flotilla consisted of canoes and single and tandem kayaks. People showed up with borrowed, rented and their own equipment. You can pick up canoes from Splashdash at The Forks if you are looking to paddle around the Port area. Or if you are looking to go on a longer adventure, you can get everything (and I mean everything) you need from Wilderness Supply. 

They ensure you are comfortable with the equipment, answering any questions and getting you exactly what you need for your trip. And? They strap everything to your car too! Daily rentals are $30 for kayak, paddles and a lifejacket. I opted for the tandem kayak with my pal Sara, because it just seemed like too much fun. Also: hello, amazing date idea!

Our three-hour trip started with the drop-in on the Assiniboine River just outside the west Perimeter at Oxbend Road. Here we found easy loading and direct access to the river. For the one-way cruise, I recommend getting a kayak sherpa to drop you (and the kayaks) off and pick you (and the kayaks) up at The Forks. My husband Bob is a land-lubber so he made an excellent kayak sherpa. If no landlubbers are present, you’ll have to pre-arrange a second car drop at The Forks.

The kayaks and canoes were pretty easy to carry down to the water. A good core and upper body strength workout! To be honest, I think this was the most physically challenging aspect to the afternoon!

Once you’re at the water, you sit down in the kayak and slide right in! The connection to the water is immediate when you are in a kayak sitting at the water level. No motors. Just you, the water and some paddles. It’s quiet and peaceful (save for my shrills of delight).

I was so surprised at how we immediately started to coast without paddling! The Assiniboine River has a natural gentle current that is forever nudging you toward The Forks. 

The riverbanks are stunning and give you such a different perspective. I was struck by how it felt like I was away at a cottage, not in the middle of the city. It was quiet and serene. Every bend in the river felt like a new discovery. It was disorienting in the most wonderful way to get lost in a city I’ve lived in my whole life. We had a blue heron follow us along for most of the trip. Every once in a while a bridge would appear and we would be brought back to our familiar places the city.

We’d paddle a bit, then coast. Sometimes we’d just sit and float in the middle of the river, chat and visit. 

As we got closer to downtown, the river came alive with people. Apartment buildings appeared, people on their balconies waved at us. We greeted a fisherman, Sunday strollers and cyclists on the river walk. Boats and water taxis puttered by, waving at us. The river became social, gathering us together in a new way.

We glided into the Port area at The Forks, secured ourselves against the dock with the anchor knobs and hopped out. There’s a small lot on the southwest end of the Market (near Sydney’s restaurant) that makes it easy to load and fasten your kayak to the car. 

A cold beer post paddle tastes so good! Over patio beers and nachos, we discussed how inspiring it was to see the city from a whole new perspective. We paddled the seams of our city, connecting 10 different neighbourhoods. It felt like a trip in a new place, a bit familiar, yet completely different.

Thousands of years ago, people navigated the same rivers and met at The Forks. It’s bizarre to think that we are only rediscovering this now. We are a city built on these rivers, and it’s worth the effort to get out and enjoy them in all seasons.

Lindsay Somers is an urban lifestyle health coach. You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Illustration by Brandi Baldwin. Photos by Mark Reimer. 

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