Staying Active, Exercising and Staying in Shape
This is one of the most popular New Year’s Resolutions out there. So many people want to feel healthy and happy in their daily lives, and having an active lifestyle can help with that greatly.
But having an active lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mean hard workouts. It can also be taking a bike ride or a brisk walk. So here are some suggestions for how to stay active and some shops that will help you on your journey:
Biking
Whether you’re getting some errands done or just want to enjoy the scenery, biking is a great way to get outside and exercise. Don’t have a bike? No problem, there are lots of places to rent bikes downtown!
Downtown Bike Paths
With the protected bike paths downtown, it’s easy to get around. There are paths up Pandora Street, Fort Street, and Humboldt Street, as well as along the waterfront of the Inner Harbour to the Galloping Goose Trail. These paths are great for casual and serious cyclists alike!
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Ride the Glide
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Ride the Glide is a family-run business that began as a Segway shop in 2011 and has grown to include a wide selection of electric bikes and scooters. They offer rentals and sales as well as a 5% Green Transportation Rebate on all regularly priced models!
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The Pedaler
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The Pedaler is Victoria’s original guided bicycle tours, including Canada’s first craft beer tour by bike. They can customize your tour to fit your interests, skill level, and time commitments. Located at Huntington Manor, they also do bike rentals and repairs!
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Giant Victoria
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Giant Victoria opened in 2017 and is locally owned and operated by a team of knowledgeable and friendly staff. They have everything from helmets to accessories to bikes, including high-end mountain and electric models. Also, half of their stock is from the brand, Liv, which is dedicated to the female rider.
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Broad Street Cycles
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Broad Street Cycles is a full-service bike shop, which carries a selection of unique, high quality, and hard-to-find bike brands. They also customize and repair bicycles, as well as selling accessories and clothing for your biking adventures!
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Hiking
Though there are no hiking trails downtown, there are stores where you can get everything you need for your hike. Need new boots? A water bottle? Sun hat? Downtown businesses have got you covered!
MEC
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Mountain Equipment Co-op has everything you need for your hike, from clothes to boots to backpacks. They also sell equipment for just about any outdoor sport, including skiing, waterboarding, climbing, and more! Whether you’re planning a camping trip or a more urban outing, this is the place to go for supplies.
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Robinson’s Outdoor Store
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Robinson’s Outdoor Store has been a locally-owned business for more than 80 years, starting in 1929 as a bicycle shop/repair. Now they have a wide selection of products to help you stay active and enjoy the beauty of the natural world. From hiking to climbing to fly fishing, they have got you covered.
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Valhalla Pure Outfitters
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Since 1991, Valhalla Pure Outfitters has been serving lovers of the outdoors. Whether you are looking to hike, paddle, sail, climb, ski, or travel, this locally-owned shop is the place for you. With a large selection of apparel and gear from the best outdoor brands, they have what you need for your next adventure.
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Walking
Walking is one of the easiest and best ways to exercise, especially in an urban setting. Whether you’re window-shopping or powerwalking, come down and enjoy the beauty of our fair city.
Inner Harbour Walk
If you’re in the mood for beautiful views and a walk that’s mostly flat, you should definitely head down to the Inner Harbour. You could walk right from Laurel Point to Market Square if you wanted and admire our beautiful city from all angles.
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Running
Looking for a place to jog? Want a new pair of sneakers? Downtown Victoria has everything you need: beautiful views, running shoe stores, and temperate weather. If you’re not a runner, it’s never too late to start.
Running Room
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Running Room is the place to go for all your running and jogging needs. Not only do they have a huge selection of running shoes, including those designed for trail running, racing, and stability, they also sell accessories like watches, insoles, and safety/visibility gear.
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New Balance Victoria
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New Balance Victoria carries the largest selection of New Balance footwear and apparel on Vancouver Island. From runners to casual footwear and accessories, they will ensure that you find your perfect fit. They also have a pedorthist in store if you’ve got any questions.
Yoga and Fitness Studios
Even with the current pandemic restrictions, there are still ways to do yoga online and remotely. Whether you are a beginner or have advanced knowledge of the practice of yoga, this is a great way to stretch, breathe, and stay active.
Ashtanga Yoga
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Ashtanga Yoga is located in historic Market Square and is offering online yoga classes for all levels. They have an intro pass and a Beginners Program if you’re new and they believe in supporting where you’re at and allowing you to grow your experience at your own pace.
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Quantum Yoga Club
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Quantum Yoga Club is Victoria’s premier Hot Yoga Studio. They offer classes in many different styles of yoga, including such classes as Yin, Shift Fusion, and Yin Yang. They have an Intro Month program where you get unlimited classes for $50 for the first month you join.
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Studio 4 Athletics
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Studio 4 Athletics is a 12,000 square-foot gym with a complete fitness setup, including weights, cardio, group fitness, and personal training. Located in a beautiful heritage building, you will love the atmosphere here. They are currently offering a collection of classes online via Zoom. Check out their online schedule for a complete list!
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With the weather being gray, wet, and windy, it can be difficult to find the motivation to get out and stay active. It can also be challenging in a pandemic. However, it is important for both our physical and mental health to stay active. You got this!
