Every spring, the fitness industry starts talking about beach bodies. And let’s face it, here in the Peace Country, we don’t have the most spectacular beaches.
But we do have paddleboards to launch, trails to hike, golf courses to walk, waterfalls to explore, and kids and grandkids who want us to join them on adventures.
Personally, I’d rather be strong enough to enjoy summer than spend it worrying about how I look in a swimsuit.
At VIGOR, we talk a lot about building strength, improving balance, increasing endurance, and maintaining mobility. Because doing more of the things we enjoy outside the gym is more important than how we look.
And there is no shortage of things to enjoy in our corner of Alberta and BC!!
Paddle, Explore, Repeat
A short drive north of Valhalla Centre takes you to Spring Lake, a beautiful spot for paddleboarding, kayaking, or canoeing. Spending a few hours on the water challenges your balance, core strength, and endurance while giving you a chance to unplug and enjoy the outdoors. An added bonus is seeing the swans nesting on the north side of the lake.
Hit the Trails
You don’t have to travel far to find a great walk.
The Waxwing Trails in Grande Prairie offer an easy way to get outside for an evening stroll, trail run, or family hike. With over 100 kilometres of trails throughout the city, there’s always somewhere new to explore. If you are walking the trails through Muskoseepi, bring a friend. There’s safety in numbers and it’s much more fun.
Looking for a slightly longer adventure but on a fairly flat surface? The Dunes offers a paved path and has room for walking, biking, and pets. Start at the Correction Line and create a loop through the trails and golf course for a longer outing.
Discover a Local Hidden Gem
Kleskun Hills is a unique landscape in the Peace Country. The rolling hills and natural area feel completely different from the surrounding farmland. Spend a day exploring the trails, visiting the museum, and learning more about the area’s history.
Chase Waterfalls
Red Willow Falls near Elmworth remains a favourite local destination. The hike is manageable for most people, but having strong legs and good balance certainly makes the experience more enjoyable.
If you’re willing to drive a little farther, the Tumbler Ridge Global Geopark offers some of the most spectacular hiking opportunities in the Peace Country. Explore destinations such as Shipyard-Titanic, Boulder Gardens, Bergeron Falls, and countless other trails that showcase the beauty of the region. The visitor information centre is a great place to start. Find a quick hike to a waterfall, or a more adventurous hike that will see you climbing over big rocks on your journey.
Explore the Mountains
Grande Cache offers incredible hiking opportunities within a reasonable drive from Grande Prairie. Whether you’re looking for a casual walk or a more challenging mountain adventure, the area provides breathtaking scenery and endless opportunities to get outdoors. Stop at the Grande Cache Tourism and Intrerpretive Centre and inquire about the Passport to the Peaks.
If you haven’t already, download the All Trails app to discover local routes and navigate without cell service.
Walk the Golf Course
Golf is often overlooked as exercise, especially when a cart is involved.
Walking nine or eighteen holes adds up quickly. Between the distance covered, the hills climbed, and the repeated swings, golfing can be a surprisingly active day.
If eighteen holes feels like too much, start with nine. Courses such as Chinook Valley and Morningview provide affordable opportunities to enjoy the game while staying active.
Strong for Life
The stronger and fitter you are, the more enjoyable all of these opportunities to move, explore, and create memories become.
We aren’t training for a magazine cover. We’re training so we can say “yes” when an opportunity for adventure comes along.
Strength training will help you enjoy more of the experiences waiting for you outside the gym, which is a lot more exciting than chasing a beach body.
If you’d like to learn more about strength training, book an intro to VIGOR here.
