10 ways to get fit outdoors in Toronto this spring

By Chris Riddell
If you’ve been a couch potato over the winter, now’s the time to get outside again. Outdoor fitness classes can give you the chance to take in some fresh air while whipping yourself back into shape and meeting some new people too. In Toronto, you can find numerous parks, forests, ravines and fields to run through, and all sorts of groups gathering in them, so no matter what you’re into there’s outdoor fitness options to suit your needs.

Whether it’s for fun, fitness or competition, anyone can join a dragon boat team. In Toronto, Paddler’s Anonymous offers everyone the chance to paddle these long and slender watercraft. Founded in 2000 by University of Waterloo students, PA has groups for beginner, recreational and competitive paddlers, so even if you’ve never been in a dragon boat before they can find a place for you. If you’re keen, you can join a competitive team and train to race against other paddlers in the annual Toronto Island Dragon Boat Race Festival.

Toronto is becoming a cyclist’s paradise thanks to its numerous parks and growing network of bike lanes. If you’re the type who likes to roll on two wheels, the Toronto Bike Meetup is the place for you. Most of the events are group rides, but there’s also bicycle tradeshows and other related events. Now that the weather is more cycle-friendly, you can expect to see more rides scheduled on the Meetup page.

You don’t need to be a marathon runner to join this group. The Longboat Runners Club accepts runners of all skill levels from beginners to competitive athletes. The club offers coaching within a group dynamic, so you can be inspired to improve your physical prowess and stay at the top of your game. Meetings happen several times a week and can be anything from a light run around the block, to an intense training session.

Imagine performing yoga techniques on a grassy field beneath a bright springtime sun, surrounded by other fitness junkies who love the outdoors. It might sound idyllic, but it’s exactly the type of experience you can have at one of NatureFit’s outdoor boot camp-style classes. Yoga is involved, including many other techniques like pilates, interval training, strength training, endurance runs and functional cardio workouts. The best thing about it is all NatureFit classes are free!

The Night Terrors Running Crew takes a completely different take on the old running group. They do runs through parks and neighbourhoods too, only they do it at night. You can find out about their next run on their Facebook page, and don’t be shy; they’re always happy to welcome newcomers. There’s something enchanting about the city at night, so why not go for a run with some new friends and explore neighbourhoods you’ve never seen?

The Kay Gardner beltline is one of Toronto’s most prominent geographical features. It follows an old railway line and forms a key part of the parks and ravines system. On this trail you’ll be immersed in lush and peaceful surroundings that invigorate the mind and rejuvenate the body. At its eastern end it connects to Mount Pleasant Cemetery with its network of smooth roadways, perfect for cycling or running. While you’re among the tombstones and mausoleums, try to find some of the historical figures laid to rest on these hallowed grounds.

Situated just a short bus trip from Old Mill station, Humber Bay Park is another large city park with lots of space for outdoor fitness. This park also has a butterfly conservation area, the perfect place to stop for a break and try to spot a monarch. If you follow the path along the new waterfront condo developments, you’ll cross the bridge into Sunnyside Park which is another prime location earning a spot on this list.

After traversing Humber Bay Park, continue down the trail to Sunnyside Park, and eventually to the CNE grounds. Throughout your journey you’ll have a beautiful view of the lake, and many chances along to the way to enjoy the view. Many people come here to walk their dogs, ride their bikes or run the trail so you’ll be surrounded by the life and rhythm of the city.

Throughout the city you can find several outdoor exercise gyms where you can perform chin ups, step-ups, squats and dips. These outdoor gyms always have a sign post nearby describing the types of exercises you can do with instructions and diagrams. If you’re planning your own running or cycling route, try to add a stop at one of these outdoor gyms and add a few sets to your workout. Click here for more information.

It’s impossible to talk about outdoor fitness in Toronto without mentioning Ashbridges Bay. It’s one of the few places in the city where you can play beach volleyball, and the massive beach has tons of space to spread out a blanket and soak up some rays. If you’re feeling brave, go for a swim in Lake Ontario. The water is always cold, even at the height of summer, so a quick dip will get your blood pumping. There’s also the boardwalk path which is great for a run or a bike ride, and you can take it all the way to its eastern end and see the RC Harris Water Treatment Plant, one of Toronto’s most storied historical buildings and a notable feat of engineering.