Rollerblading is a fun and easy activity that offers many of the same benefits as running, but with less stress on your joints, ligaments and tendons. It's also a great way to improve balance and coordination, and the natural side-to-side movement works to tone and tighten your inner thighs. To push the aerobic benefits of rollerblading you can try skating uphill, and you can work arm and shoulder muscles by swinging your arms while you skate.
Calories burned per hour: 700
Biking
There's nothing quite like the feeling of freedom you get from biking, whether you're tackling local trails or cycling through urban streets. This eco-friendly way to explore your surroundings offers a great lower body workout, toning abs, buttocks, calves and thighs, while being easy on the joints. Start out the season by getting your bike properly tuned and road-worthy, then build confidence with short trips of 10 to15 minutes. Once you're comfortable, aim to cycle 3 days a week and increase aerobic benefits by adding distance and hills to your regular route.
Calories burned per hour: 500
Use the trail locator at www.tctrail.ca to map out bike trails near you.
Hiking
With seemingly endless park trails and gorgeous green space, Canada is the perfect place to get fit and explore with a regular hiking routine. Proper shoes are key; you will need a pair that offer your feet the support and protection to tackle unpaved trails and uneven ground, and you will want to break them in thoroughly before tackling long distances — there's nothing worse than a hike cut short because of painful blisters! Start with short hikes in your local park to get used to the feeling of being off-trail, and bring a friend along for safety. Once you have built up your stamina, you'll be ready to take on longer treks working your abs, buttocks, thighs and calves.
Calories burned per hour: 350
Visit www.canadatrails.ca to explore hiking trails in your area.
Gardening
Gardening is a great way to get some exercise, while working on a calm and creative project. Activities like weeding, digging, mowing and trimming will stretch your legs, back, arms and shoulders, and pushing wheelbarrows, shovelling and lifting bags of mulch will build up muscles and upper body strength. Remember to lift properly, using your legs, and vary your work to make sure that you give all your muscle groups proper attention.
Calories burned per hour: 200
*Calories burned based on 1 hour of work by 145lb woman
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