Active transportation: the use of human power

Active transportation (AT), can be a great way to get to and from work, school, grocery shopping or simply as a means of visiting friends in your community. It can also be a way of staying active while getting the recommended level of daily physical activity . For those who have busy schedules and feel they lack the time to follow an exercise routine, using AT as a means of commuting can address...Read more

Improve your mental health by walking in nature

Our mental well-being is an important aspect of general health. Having a good social support group, being physically active, joining a community group or having a hobby can influence our mental well-being. Combining any of these options can offer a multidimensional approach to coping with mental illness . A recent study published in the Journal of Ecopsychology looked at nature walks in a group...Read more

These Paws Were Made for Walking

Owning a pet can offer you more than just adorable pictures to post to your Facebook or Instagram accounts. The benefits of having a four-legged companion range from being less stressed, to increased physical activity , and even a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease . Companion animals have been used in various therapies for years to help raise spirits and be a calming presence. Now post-...Read more

International Walk to School Month

by Trent Weir Algonquin College Sport Business Management Intern October is Some parents may be hesitant to send their children to school by active transportation because of safety concerns. However, an increase in the number of pedestrians has actually been shown to reduce the amount of crime in a neighbourhood. There are also resources, like Elmer the Safety Elephant , to help teach children...Read more

Walk yourself to better health

Modern society has made life very accessible for humans. We do not have to chase down animals in order to eat, and we have the luxury of travelling from one point to the other without ever having to walk. We can all attest that we are very thankful of modern inventions, which have made our lives much easier. However, with transportation that is readily accessible, we have neglected to do the...Read more

Adventure Travel and the Older Adult

With summer in full swing, many older adults will be boarding planes, trains and ships to head off for their latest travel adventure . Research shows that the aging population, with their improved health and disposable incomes are looking for trips that are stimulating culturally, socially and that include a lot of interaction and adventure. Many individuals or couples are increasing their level...Read more

A step in the right direction

As I write this blog post I sit at a computer and you probably are as well. When does sitting become excessive? Does sitting really affect your health? Many doctors and health practitioners claim that prolonged sitting (one hour or more) can in fact have a serious impact on your health. Results of prolonged sitting: Reduces energy levels Increases risk of weight gain Six or more hours of sitting...Read more

Never underestimate the power of a good walk

Walking is one of the least expensive and most accessible forms of physical exercise. It can be adopted by people of all ages and abilities, requires no training and is a great benefit to your health. Walking isn't an exercise that leads to many injuries, although it's still a good idea to equip yourself with proper fitting shoes and loose comfortable clothes . Whatever the weather conditions be...Read more

Exercise and bone health

It is well known that regular exercise is excellent for your heart, health and well-being. There is also plenty of evidence that proves that regular exercise is essential in warding off various health-related issues; what's not as well known is that people who perform non-weight bearing exercises such as cycling or swimming as their sole method of exercise could be putting themselves at risk for...Read more

Is There An App For That?

Well, there sure is! It doesn’t matter what information you need access to, or what activity you want to track, there must be an App(lication) for that. And if you own an iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, iPod Touch, Android or Mac, you are already probably a convert to the App world. We are now able to do things that were thought impossible even a decade ago. But believe it or not many people have yet...Read more