Happy New Year, Nanaimo! Now that the holidays are over, many of us are settling back into routine and making resolutions for the year ahead. Take a moment to make a goal to be more active in 2019.

Nanaimo Parks and Recreation has a variety of programs for all ages and abilities designed to help get your body moving and have fun!

Register for a program: whether it is skating, swimming, yoga, boot camp, karate or Bollywood dance lessons, these programs offer a fun and welcoming environment for you to stay active. Register online, in person or by calling 250-756-5200.

Drop-in to an activity: the City’s rec centres offer a variety of classes such as Total Barre Fitness and Power Yoga in Oliver Woods Community Centre and, over in the Bowen Park complex, drop in on Circuit Training and Train and Strength classes. Our pools and arenas have daily drop-in skating and swimming sessions for all ages. Build strength in our weight rooms located in the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Beban Pool and the gym in Oliver Woods Community Centre offers a variety of drop-in sports like floor hockey and volleyball. Find a list of drop-in activities on the City website.

Get outside: from running, walking and hiking to mountain biking and playing, Nanaimo’s parks, playgrounds and trails have a variety of terrain to get you moving. Not to mention, exploring our natural beauty has other health benefits including reducing stress levels and lowering blood pressure. Check out the Nanaimo Parks Search on the City website to find a park or trail to explore.

Have fun: at our pool and arena special events this month. Nanaimo Ice Centre hosts a Starlight Skate on Saturday, January 19 from 7-9 pm, Coast Capital Savings is offering a free skate session in Nanaimo Ice Centre on January 18 from 3:45-5:15 pm and the Lions Free Skates continue each Sunday from 12-1:30 pm (10:45 am -12:30 pm on Clipper game days) in Frank Crane Arena. Over in the pools, take part in a Super Hero Fun swim in Beban Pool on Sunday, January 20 from 1:30-3:30 pm and Coast Capital Savings will host a free swim on January 25 from 7-9 pm. Find more information these and other City events in the events listing section on the City website.

Check out the Fall and Winter Activity Guide for more ways to stay active in 2019 and stay tuned for the Spring and Summer Activity Guide coming out in March!