By Amanda Daly
First there was Halloween quickly followed by Thanksgiving.
And Christmas dinners, holiday parties, and all the wonderful treats will be here before you know it.
Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, candy, chocolate, cookies … the list goes on.
But this doesn’t mean your healthy eating and active lifestyle has to go out the door.
The trick is not overdoing it and staying active, whatever your active looks like.
That’s where Nanaimo parks, recreation and culture comes in. We are here to keep you motivated and provide you with tips to enjoy an active holiday season.
Challenge yourself to exercise at least three times a week during the holidays. You don’t have to run a marathon – take a brisk walk after dinner, try out the new equipment at one of our fitness centres or spend some family time at our arenas or pools.
Parks, recreation and culture can help you stay on track with our fitness holiday schedule at Oliver Woods Community Centre. Can’t make it to Oliver Woods? Try a drop-in aquafit class at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre or free everyone welcome skating on Sundays. Skate the Rideau Canal at our Winter Wonderland Dec. 26-30 at the Frank Crane Arena. It is a great place to spend time and stay active with family.
Help others stay active, too, by giving the gift of health and fitness.
Gift cards are a great gift idea for all the people on your gift list – even the impossible ones.
They are a simple and thoughtful way to encourage friends, family and co-workers to live an active lifestyleand can be purchased at recreation centres and come in dominations of $20, $50 and $100.
They can be used to pay for program registration, RecPasses, facility rentals, swim/skate and drop-in admissions. Best of all, they are reloadable too.
Give yourself a holiday treat and start your new year’s resolution off early by staying active this holiday season.
For more information, please contact 250-756-5200 or visit www.nanaimo.ca.
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Amanda Daly is a marketing and communication specialist with Nanaimo parks, recreation and culture.