Winter is coming.

This pandemic has been mentally and physically tough for everyone. Working from home is the new norm for many people, which has resulted in a reduction in our movement patterns. Even little bits of movement like the walk from the car to the office, or from the C-train, through downtown to your office building has been removed. Our commute is now often from the kitchen to the basement, and we are feeling it! We can’t be the only ones with a few extra pounds and some stiff computer posture bodies?!

This spring, summer and even fall we have had some beautiful warm and sunny days. A chance to get out for a walk midday with the pup, or even just on your own to help break up the hours on the computer. But with winter edging closer and closer we are coming into a season of traditionally less movement. People are much less likely to leave their warm cozy house to go to the gym or hit up a spin class let alone go for a walk when it is cold and snowing.

So how can we stay motivated to keep our bodies moving this winter? We recommend trying one or all of the following:

• Try out a new outdoor winter activity. This might be the best year to finally try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. A chance to get active, get outside, and maybe find something you actually look forward to come weekends in the winter.
• Create an office challenge or accountability team. See who can log the most steps in a week or hold a plank the longest (a fun team zoom call), or having others cheer you on when you make it out for that spin class or an early morning run. Seeing others be more active can be very motivating.
• Bring back your commute. Before you are ready to start the day, you can head out for a quick stroll around the block. A walk after your work hours can be a really helpful transition from work to family life (something we are missing as we WFH).
• Schedule in movement breaks throughout your day and week. Have a long conference call or team meeting? Block off 5-10 minutes after the marathon zoom call to get up from your desk and move around. It is amazing what some stretches, air squats, or a quick yoga sequence can do for your body and mind.
• Better yet, join us weekly on Thursdays at Noon (MST) for a free 10-20 minute movement break over zoom. These short sessions will be led by our very own in house certified personal trainer Renee. No need to have any weights or equipment, Renee will lead you through a series of stretches and body weight exercises to get the blood flowing and those joints feeling a little less stiff (hello laptop life!).

Let us know if you would like to join the movement sessions, there is no fees to join, simply pop in on weeks you can, but adding it to your regular weekly schedule is highly recommended!