Explore simple indoor solutions, invigorating outdoor activities, and tailored programs at REAL to keep you strong, motivated, and on track all winter long.
Are Ottawa’s chilly winters disrupting your fitness routine? We believe staying active during the colder and darker months is key to maintaining your physical and mental well-being.
The good news?
Winter doesn’t have to slow you down.
This guide explores simple, effective indoor exercise options to keep you fit and motivated, no matter the weather. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Home workouts: Easy-to-follow exercises you can do without leaving your living room.
- Local gyms and studios: Community spaces offering the tools and energy to keep your routine exciting.
- Personal training at REAL: Customized fitness plans tailored to your unique goals.
By the end of this article, you’ll feel empowered with actionable strategies to stay active and energized all winter.
Indoor exercise options
Staying active during Ottawa’s harsh winters is crucial for maintaining your health and well-being. Yes, the colder months can bring unique challenges, but with the right indoor strategies, you can keep moving and feeling your best.
Here are some simple and effective options to consider:
1. Home workouts
Home workouts are an excellent way to stay fit without braving the cold. They’re flexible, accessible, and easily tailored to your needs.
- Bodyweight exercises: Strengthen and tone your body using nothing but your weight. These functional movements not only improve strength but also enhance balance and flexibility, helping you tackle everyday activities with ease.
- Online classes: Bring expert-led fitness sessions into your home with virtual classes. Whether you prefer yoga, Pilates, or dance, these structured options make it easy to stay on track and motivated.
- Compact equipment: Add variety to your routine with small, portable fitness tools. These can help you build strength and endurance without taking up much space.
2. Local gyms and fitness studios
Joining a local gym or fitness studio provides a warm and welcoming environment to keep you moving, no matter how cold it gets outside. Here’s why these spaces are a fantastic option:
- Diverse equipment: From free weights to cardio machines, local gyms offer a variety of tools to target different muscle groups and fitness goals. Whether you’re focusing on strength training, endurance, or mobility, you’ll find everything you need.
- Group classes: Structured and engaging, group sessions like yoga, Pilates, and spinning can add variety to your routine. Plus, having an instructor to guide you ensures you’re getting the most out of your workout.
- Professional guidance: Many gyms have certified trainers available to design workout plans tailored to your goals. Professional oversight helps maximize results and keeps you injury-free.
- Social environment: Surrounding yourself with a community of like-minded individuals can keep you motivated and accountable—two key ingredients for long-term success.
- Amenities: Extras like saunas, pools, and even childcare services can make your fitness experience more enjoyable and convenient.
3. Personal training at REAL
If you’re looking for a more personalized and results-driven approach, REAL offers the ultimate solution. Our tailored programs are designed to help you meet your fitness goals—whether that’s improving posture, managing weight, or enhancing athletic performance.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Customized programs: Each workout is crafted to align with your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every session is efficient and effective.
- Expert trainers: Our experienced coaches are here to guide you every step of the way, helping you push past limitations and achieve life-changing results.
- Private studio environment: Forget the crowds. You’ll work in a welcoming, distraction-free space that’s all about your progress.
- Flexible training options: Choose from in-person sessions, virtual coaching, or online programs that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.
We’re committed to delivering a personalized fitness experience that empowers you to thrive during the winter months and beyond. Let us help you build a routine that works for you and keeps you motivated—even when the snow piles up.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to get started!
Outdoor winter activities
Staying active outdoors during Ottawa’s winter months is an invigorating way to support your physical and mental health. Embracing winter sports like snowshoeing and ice skating isn’t just fun—it’s a fantastic way to stay fit, boost your mood, and connect with Ottawa’s stunning snowy landscapes.
Snowshoeing: A full-body, low-impact workout
Snowshoeing is an accessible and effective way to stay active, no matter your fitness level. It’s a full-body workout that combines the beauty of the outdoors with powerful health benefits:
- Cardiovascular health: Snowshoeing gets your heart rate up, building endurance and strengthening your heart.
- Muscle engagement: Moving through snow engages major muscle groups,
improving strength and stamina.
- Calorie burning: The combination of cold weather and physical exertion makes snowshoeing an effective calorie burner.
- Mental well-being: Immersing yourself in serene, snow-covered landscapes helps reduce stress and boost your mood.
Check out these beautiful locations to make the most of your snowshoeing experience:
- Gatineau Park: With over 90 km of trails ranging from beginner to expert, Gatineau Park is a snowshoeing paradise. (A trail pass is required.)
- Ottawa’s Greenbelt: Trails like the Mer Bleue Bog Trail offer stunning views and a peaceful setting, perfect for winter exploration.
- Le Harfang Fat Bike et Raquettes: Located at Club de Golf Le Sorcier, this site provides scenic trails and on-site rentals for convenience.
Ice skating: A dynamic and joyful exercise
Gliding on the ice is a classic Canadian winter pastime that doubles as an incredible workout. Ice skating improves:
- Balance and coordination: The stability required for skating strengthens your core and enhances balance.
- Cardiovascular health: Skating raises your heart rate, offering an effective aerobic workout.
- Muscle strength: Your legs and core work together for strength and endurance with every glide.
- Calorie burn: Depending on intensity, skating burns 300 to 650 calories an hour.
- Stress relief: The rhythm of skating, combined with the crisp winter air, can help clear your mind and lift your spirits.
For a smooth and enjoyable experience, visit these popular rinks with extended seasons:
- Rink of Dreams: Located at Ottawa City Hall, this rink features skate rentals and a heated changing area.
- Lansdowne Park Skating Court: Next to the historic Aberdeen Pavilion, this rink offers a vibrant atmosphere from December to mid-March.
- Rideau Canal: Stretching 7.8 km through downtown Ottawa, this UNESCO World Heritage Site transforms each winter into the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink. Open 24 hours a day, it’s a great way to grab your skates and stroll along the beautiful scenery the Rideau Canal has to offer.
Don’t let the winter months slow you down. Whether you’re snowshoeing through Gatineau Park or skating under the stars at the Rink of Dreams, outdoor winter activities are a rewarding way to maintain your health and embrace the season.
Stay strong and active all winter long
Winter doesn’t have to slow you down. By embracing a mix of indoor and outdoor activities that suit your lifestyle, you can make this season a time of growth and vitality.
At REAL, we’re here to help you turn winter into an opportunity—not an obstacle. Whether you’re looking for tailored guidance, a supportive environment, or expert advice, our team is ready to meet you where you are and help you reach your goals.
Don’t let the cold weather derail your progress. Contact REAL today to schedule your free consultation and find out how our customized programs can keep you moving, motivated, and thriving all winter long.
Let’s make this your healthiest winter yet—because your goals don’t take a season off, and neither do we!