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.


Other posts that might interest you:

• Get Going: What You Need To Know About GoManitoba
• Holiday How-to: Hosting + Guesting
• Making Friends at The Forks Starts With Hello

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