Happy New Year! At the beginning of January we tend to think about the accomplishments we made in the year that has just passed and make resolutions for the year ahead of us. The top resolution we tend to make is to improve our well-being by being more active.

The benefits of being active are plenty and include reduced stress and illness, gained confidence, and increased memory and feeling of happiness. Especially in the cold, dark winter months we could all use a boost in levels of that happy-producing hormone, serotonin, which has been linked with regular excercise.

Whether you are looking for an intense workout or a walk in the woods, Nanaimo has many amenities to help you get active. Fitness, yoga and dance classes are available in our facilities; our pools, arenas and gyms have scheduled drop-in times and activities; and our parks and trails offer free, outdoor opportunities to be active.

Try the Fitness Sampler Pass and gain access to 12 drop-in fitness and 5 drop-in yoga classes at various locations across Nanaimo. Find more information in our Activity Guide.

Or, get a workout in the fresh air at the Oliver Woods Wellness Park.

Whichever way you choose in 2015 make a resolution to “Commit to Get Fit.”