Fall fitness boost

I love fall—the colours, that earthy smell hanging in the air—but it also signals the end of all the summer sports I’ve been enjoying; ultimate frisbee season wraps up in early September and the tennis courts will soon close. So I’ve begun to research activities that I can take on this fall—that will also shake me out of the fitness ennui I’m feeling at the thought of heading back to the gym.

Here are a few great resources I’ve found:

Passport to Prana: Prana means the "breath of life" or "vital energy" in Sanskrit—and this passport to Toronto- or Vancouver-area yoga studios promises to deliver. For $30, you can attend one class at each of the participating yoga studios (in Toronto there are more than 30). It’s like a tasting menu for inner bliss. Once you’ve found a studio you like, consider a membership, or just keep right on on sampling.

GymPost: Looking for a change of scenery? Visit this website to locate gyms in your community. It features a searchable database (connected to Google Maps), user reviews and ratings, as well tips on choosing a gym and personal trainer.

Mothers in Motion: Got a little one in tow, or looking for family activities? Check out this website, published by the Canadian Assocation for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity. It contains activity guides for "Mothers of New Babies and Toddlers", "Mothers of Preschoolers", and "Mothers of School-Age Children". In other words, they’ve got it all covered. There is also a searchable database for mom-friendly activities in your community (Click on "Where to Play"), an "Ask a dietitian" feature, and more.

If you’ve use any of these resources, write to Best Health and let us know—or tell us about the ones you rely on.

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