Using Toronto to get fit, is an inexpensive and interesting way to get in shape and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city. There are specific spots in Toronto that will give you a challenging, effective workout.
1. Cycling North on Mount Pleasant
Difficulty-Hard
Starting from Bloor Street, bike North on Mt Pleasant Blvd to Eglinton Avenue. The route is mostly uphill with a few steep downhill breaks to catch your breath. Be sure to take your helmet and reflectors (or lights in the evening) because this is a very busy street. If the sidewalk on the east side is free, use it. There is no sidewalk on the west side.
2. Running the Casa Loma Steps
Difficulty- Moderate
The steps up to Casa Loma, located at Dupont and Spadina make for a killer cardio and lower body workout. Take them fast, while skipping steps, if you're a strong runner with excellent low body strength. If you are just starting out, jog a step at a time or walk up, by placing your whole foot on the step, and pushing off each step, with the weight in your heels. This will focus on developing your quadriceps, while lightly strengthening the cardiovascular system, for more intense future workouts.
3. Running or Walking the Boardwalk
Difficulty- Easy to hard
The boardwalk stretches (with a few breaks) from the beaches in Toronto's east end, to nearly Etobicoke in the west end. Using the boardwalk for exercise will give you many options. Try walking, running, cycling or rollerblading. If you're in the beaches, stop to use the monkey bars, (they're thicker than in a kid's playground and therefore, more challenging) balance beams and pull up bars, for your strength training as well.
4. Don Valley Trail
Easy to Difficult
The Don Valley Trail runs along the DVP from Lakeshore and Cherry Street, all the way (to at least) Bayview and Pottery Rd. The trail is really beautiful and aside from all of the wildlife you will see (I saw a swan with her baby, and a groundhog last week!) it's an excellent place to get fit. Cycling and running seem to be the most popular but walking, skateboarding and rollerblading will work too. Just be aware that there are a few wood plank bridges. If you're a mountain biking fan, be sure to check out the off road trail!
5. Toronto, Yours to Discover
It's amazing what you will find in your neighbourhood if you take the time to look and explore. There's a free outdoor pool open during the summer in Monarch Park, between Greenwood and Coxwell north of Gerrard. There are running tracks, tennis courts, ball hockey rinks, skate parks, nature trails, playgrounds etc, all over the city.
Finding activities that interest you, will get you outside doing something new and different. Having an "exercise is fun" mentality will keep your workouts consistent, your mind interested, and results progressing in no time! Take advantage of what this beautiful city has to offer and get fit!
Get Out There Torontonians!
July 11, 2009
Best Outdoor Workouts in Toronto
