National Health and Fitness Day: June 2nd
National Health and Fitness Day began in December 2014, when the National Health and Fitness Day Act, Bill S-211, became law!1 Bill S-211 is “an Act to establish a national day to promote health and fitness for all Canadians” and was created to “encourage Canadians to participate in physical activities and contribute to their own health and well-being.”2 It is an initiative that will challenge Canada to become the Fittest Nation on Earth and combat the side-effects of inactivity.
What are you going to do on National Health and Fitness Day to be healthy and physically active? We have a few ideas that you can consider!
1. See what is going on in your community!
The National Health and Fitness Day web page has a lot of valuable resources, including community events and fitness facilities offering free admission on June 2nd.
2. Get outside.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery that Canada has to offer by going on a hike with your friends, family or your dog! Bill S-211 even mentions that “Canada’s mountains, oceans, lakes, forests, parks, and wilderness also offer recreational and fitness opportunities.” Try the website All Trails to find a trail near you.
3. Stay inside.
Not a fan of hiking? Or is the weather not co-operating? You can either go to the gym or try a home workout! There are many free resources that will help you decide what type of workout you would like to do and then walk you through it. Huffington Post offers a whole list of free workout resources that you can try today!
4. Challenge yourself.
Look in your area for fun runs or other types of outdoor fitness events that are going on and sign-up! Here are a few that we found in Ontario on June 2nd:
- Moon in June Roadrace, Burlington
- Riverview Park & Zoo Fun Run, Peterborough Zoo
- Wellington Women’s Half and ½ a Half Race, Wellington
- Run for Lighthouse, Oakville
- MUDGIRL, Hamilton
- Stroll for Liver, Toronto
- MEC Toronto Trail Race Two, Caledon
5. Spring has sprung, so dust off the bike, rollerblades or skateboard sitting in the garage and enjoy the gorgeous weather.
You can hit the trails on your mountain bike or take an easy cruise through town on a road bike. Or you can go retro and break out the roller blades for a glide through your neighbourhood! Many cities have also started to open skate parks where you can brush up on your skateboarding, and learn new tricks while meeting other local skaters.
At the end of the day, National Health and Fitness Day was created to make Canadians aware of all of the options we have to help us stay active. However, it is up to you to make the decision to stay physically active! The National Health and Fitness Day website provides resources and evidence that will help you make the decision to live a stronger, happier and more vibrant life!
Happy National Health and Fitness Day to all!
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