Hoping to get back in shape? Just head to the Eastern Townships!

Your resolution this year is to get back in shape? Here are 8 exciting ways to reach your goal by heading out to the Eastern Townships.

By Marie-Claude Masse

Start Riding a Fatbike

Do these bikes, with their oversized tires, intimidate you? You’ve never dared to ride one? This is the perfect time to begin! Start by renting a fatbike at Vie de plein air, in Magog, then try it out on the beautiful trail set alongside lake Memphremagog. Who knows? You might become a true adept of this sport! There are several other great places in the region where you can practise riding a fatbike; find out where!

Top reasons for doing it:

• Good for your cardio, your muscles, your balance … and for the fun of it!
• There are more and more places where you can practise this sport.
• We burn more energy when it’s cold outside!

Register for a Race

Do you feel somewhat envious as you watch runners race by, but have never dared register in a race yourself? We’re challenging you to participate in the Demi-marathon RBC de Sherbrooke, in downtown Sherbrooke, next June 19. You can choose which distance you would like to try, either the 1, 2, 5, 10 or 21-kilometre race.

Top reasons for doing it:

• It’s been proven: To have an objective helps us to persevere.
• Nowadays, races have become more accessible. Everyone can find one that suits them.
• There are about fifty races held in the region, every summer

Try Bouldering (Backbone)

Visit the Centre d’escalade de bloc, in Bromont, where their 16-foot-high walls are waiting for you. Don’t worry about getting hurt, their thick mats will easily absorb an eventual fall. This activity is offered to everyone and no experience is required. So young and not-so-young are all welcome!

Top reasons for doing it:

• Excellent activity for developing strength and endurance.
• Requires a lot of attention: when you’re climbing, you forget everything else!

Offer Yourself a Health Retreat

Offer yourself a retreat at Spa Eastman. Check their calendar, the spa regularly offers retreat based on different themes: yoga, trampoline fitness, super juice mixes and smoothies, coaching, meditation… After the retreat, you’ll feel inspired, revitalized and motivated to get this new year moving. Note: the spa regularly offers health retreats.

Top reasons for doing it:

• Ideal for starting the process of making lifestyle changes.
• Allows you to meet other people as motivated as you are!
• The only thing you’ll need is your own motivation, the rest is taken care of.

Discover or rediscover cross-country skiing

There’s a good reason why we have been noticing more and more young people on our cross-country ski trails. It’s a very complete sport, accessible and inexpensive. In our region, you’ll find over 1,000 km of trails for all levels. C’mon, let’s get started!

Top reasons for doing it:

• It’s considered as one of the best endurance sports.
• Ideal for people with joint problems.
• An excellent cardio work out as well as being excellent for blood circulation.
• A great family activity!

An Intermediary or Difficult Level Outing

Put your crampons on and get going on one of the six outing for pros our team has found for you. Whether you opt for the Parc national du Mont-Mégantic, the Réserve naturelle des montagnes Vertes, the Forêt habitée of mount Gosford or the Sentiers frontaliers, each of these hikes will offer you a good dose of adrenaline.

Top reasons for doing it:

• Hiking on a slope increases your energy expenditure by 40%.
• Walking on uneven terrain is excellent for developing balance and for toning muscles.
• Finding yourself in the middle of nature, well, it’s also great for your mental health!

Take out your Skates

Skating on an outdoor rink is great, but when it’s located in an amazing environment, it’s even better! You’ll find many options offered in the region by going to this web article.

Top reasons for doing it:

• It’s a low impact sport.
• Very good for balance and coordination.
• A 150-pound person can burn about 400 calories/hour.

Walking in a Marsh

Marshes offer rich ecosystems and are amazingly beautiful in winter. Why not head out for a walk on the trails of the Marais Réal-D.- Carbonneau marsh, in Sherbrooke, the Johnsonville Bog and Forest Park or the Cherry river marsh in Magog (Marais de la rivière aux Cerises)?

Top reasons for doing it:

• Walking is among the most accessible activities you can do, and when done regularly, it’s a very effective exercise.
• You easily forget the length of your walk when you admire the beautiful surrounding landscapes.
• Accessible and free.