Ontarians find creative ways to exercise outdoors

With gyms and fitness centres shutting down under the latest COVID-19 restrictions, more people are heading outside for their workouts.

Jessie Thomas from Farm Girl fitness in Milton says they shifted to outdoor classes during last year’s restrictions and made the jump again this year.

The fitness centre is located on Thomas’s family farm and the outdoor classes are held under a large gazebo-type structure.

She says despite the freezing temperatures people have been excited to take part.

“That endorphin rush, I swear, comes on even more in the cold,” added Thomas.

Most participants are outdoor enthusiasts and don’t mind the colder temperatures.

If you are exercising outdoors, Hamilton paramedics recommend you cover up the smaller body parts to avoid frostbite which can happen in a matter of minutes in frigid weather like we have been experiencing.

The following are tips to help keep you safe in cold temperatures:

• Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia
• Dress in layer
• Protect your head, hands, feet, and ears
• Drink plenty of fluids