Just because it’s colder in Kingston than it is in the North Pole doesn’t mean we should all lose hope in exercise and healthy eating….even though it’s incredibly easy to do so. I find myself living off of ice cream and chocolate in the winter all while working out once every few weeks because it will be months before I’ll even be taking off my winter coat, let alone my shirt!
When it’s warm out and you are spending every other day in your bikini, it’s a lot easier to be conscious of your nutrition and your physical activity. In the summer, it’s effortless to consume smoothies and salads all day long. You don’t have to convince or trick yourself to go to the gym in the summer because you’re always outside. Being active becomes a fun hobby instead of a chore. In the winter the only common outdoor sports are skiing, snowboarding and skating. Unfortunately, we only have one out of those three options available to us here in Kingston. That being said, Victoria Park has a beautiful outdoor rink that is well maintained by city workers every day. Even though you won’t break a sweat skating, especially in subzero temperatures, it’s still a fun way to get up and moving. The worst part about winter is that we tend to stay inside all day and this causes noticeable changes in our mood and work habits. Spending thirty minutes a day doing leisurely activities, such as walking or skating, will help with concentration, motivation, and sleep.
If you are really looking to stay fit, Queen’s and Kingston offer a number of options to break a sweat and really get moving. Studio330 on Princess offers yoga classes by donation. For students on a budget, this is amazing, as yoga tends to be pretty expensive. The studio offers multiple classes per day and there is a box at the front where you pay whatever you can. If you have never tried yoga before, this is a great place to do it. Yoga has been a game changer for me, especially throughout exam season. There is nothing better than spending an hour in a hot room where you completely forget your outside issues. Leaving a yoga class is like leaving the gym; you feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Kingston also offers various other yoga studios close to Queen’s. If the classes at the studios you have tried do not challenge you, then head to the Feel Yoga studio where they teach Bikram style yoga. It’s intense, hot, and much more difficult than most of the other types. Queen’s Yoga Club is a great way to take advantage of all types of yoga classes. For only $35 per term, you can choose from a selection of classes at various studios downtown and in rooms on Campus that are offered every week.
Apart from yoga and the gym, another indoor option is to take advantage of the public swimming hours at the ARC. There is nothing like swimming when it comes to an all inclusive body workout. Swimming regularly will keep you in shape for the summer and when everyone else is panicking about putting on their bathing suit in June, you will have been doing it all winter long! Some students don’t know that their student card allows them free access to certain fitness classes at the ARC. Check the website for the schedule, but there are always a few cardio, yoga, Zumba, or kickboxing classes available each week. Zumba is a super fun way to break a sweat and you will leave the class feeling like you are on top of the world!
For a lot of people, the real problem is finding the desire to venture out of bed and into the snow to the ARC or wherever the activity may take place. If this is you then I recommend joining an intramural sport next semester so that you are actually obligated to leave the house! If team sports aren’t your thing then pick a friend or a housemate who you can schedule with to workout together. Pick a day and time where you motivate each other to go to the gym, to yoga, to swim, or even to grab a squash racket at the ARC.
If you are staying physically active, you are more likely to eat healthier as well. There’s nothing that feels better than making a healthy meal after working out. So if you incorporate more exercise into your week, you may end up choosing healthier options to compliment that exercise. Get into a routine and try bringing your workout clothes to class so that you can head straight to your fitness destination.