I can't say enough about the importance of getting outside and being active for both physical and mental health! This weekend I had the privilege of participating in the MEC Fall Century Ride. A windy, but gorgeous 60 km leaving from Turner Valley, Alberta. It was challenging, but with encouragement from friends, and focus on my inner dialogue, I completed it in one piece. This may be the last thing you would be interested in doing on a beautiful Sunday, but there are some common themes I can share that may help in finding your inner drive to get moving. Here are some ideas to incorporate more activity into your week:
 
- Find something you LOVE to do! In summer I bike, swim, run, lift weights and hike. In winter I spin, swim, snowboard, snowshoe and lift weights...this keeps me conditioned year-round and changing my activities through the year adds variety and helps me cope with the changing seasons. Having a variety of activities also keeps me doing SOMETHING if I am not in the mood to do what I otherwise planned to.
 
- Sign-up for an event to train for! If this is out of your comfort zone, start with volunteering. You can get to know other participants, how the event works and most likely see how much you belong! Everyone, at some point has taken on the challenge of their first 'race'. I am always inspired by the people I see and meet at races and events! To be truthful, I didn't train for this weekend's ride. And I felt it. But I showed up, complained a little, and was so glad that I did it!
 
- Plan weekly meetups with friends, neighbours or coworkers. Having someone else you are accountable to can be a nice "push", especially as the days get shorter and colder.
 
- Meetup groups can be a great way to meet new people and try new sports or activities you otherwise may not have tried. The University, Mountain Equipment Coop, Running Room, Lululemon, among others, have various programs to participate in, some of which are complimentary!
 
Being active on a daily basis, is our primal nature. Building and maintaining strength with functional movements, flexibility, ease in motion, endurance and stamina, are all vital to living a long, healthy life.