Taylor Farm Blog

The New Year is upon us and many people use this as an opportunity to turn over a new leaf by becoming more active. Regular exercise has incredible health benefits that can improve your mood, lessen the risks of chronic diseases and improve sleep quality. We’ve all heard of the many advantages of exercise but it can be difficult to know where to begin; especially during the harsh winter months where many outdoor activities are out of the question.

Joining an indoor club will not only help you to become more active during the winter but it’ll also allow you to meet new people with the same interests. Clubs will deepen your knowledge of a chosen activity and will strengthen self-confidence. Not to mention, if you’re doing something that you enjoy it’ll relieve stress as well.

Here are some indoor activities near Taylor Farm to help you stay active through the winter.

Fit and Flex

Fit and Flex uses gentle exercises for all fitness levels to help maintain fitness and strength. Classes are held in the Headingley Community Centre on Monday and Wednesday mornings from January 6 to March 25. Registration closes on January 2.

Gentle Yoga

Gentle Yoga will reduce stress and improve circulation by stretching the large muscles in the legs, arms and back to increase flexibility throughout the body. Deep slow breaths are used to push blood and oxygen to vital organs while holding poses are used to strengthen muscles and enhance balance, flexibility and posture. This class is held on Tuesday mornings from January 7 to March 24 at the Headingley Community Centre. Registration closes on January 3.

Pickleball

Play pickleball at the Headingley Community Centre on Sundays, Monday’s, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This sport is a mixture of ping pong, badminton and tennis. It’s played with two or four players who use a wooden paddle and a plastic whiffle ball. Drop-in classes are available and first class is free. Registration closes on March 27.

Cardio-Strength Fusion

Held at the Headingley Community Centre, this class is great for the heart and guaranteed to get your blood pumping! This workout includes easy-to-follow, low-impact movements with functional whole body exercises using bands, dumbbells and ends with balancing and stretching exercises. Classes run Wednesday mornings from January 8 to March 25. Registration closes January 3.

Yoga Core

Yoga Core is an active, flow-style class with a focus on strengthening and stretching your abdomen, back, hips, quads and hamstrings. This is a great class for everyone, especially those dealing with hip and lower back issues. Yoga Core is held at the Phoenix Community Centre every Friday morning from January 10 to March 27. Registration closes on January 3.

Tai Chi for Beginners

Come to the Phoenix Community Centre to explore the health benefits of Taoist Tai Chi! This class runs Wednesday evenings from January 22 to March 25. The practice of Tai Chi involves sequences of slow, controlled and low impact movements that will gently tone and strengthen your body and focus your mind. Regular practice can help to improve concentration, coordination, circulation and balance. Registration closes January 15.

Yoga Flow

This class links traditional Hatha yoga postures with the breath and continuous, smooth flowing movements. This will increase flexibility, strength and cardiovascular endurance. Previous yoga experience is recommended with the ability to get down onto the floor for poses. Yoga Flow is held in the Headingley Community Centre on Thursday mornings from January 9 to March 26. Registration ends on January 6.

If these clubs haven’t peaked your interest, take a look at the Program Guide to find local activities to help you stay fit.

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, it’s all about making progress and creating healthy habits out of repetition until they become a part of your weekly routine. If you’re living a healthy lifestyle and feeling fulfilled, your New Year is off to a wonderful start.