Indoor Fitness Alternatives in Vancouver – Part III
Photo credit: Penn State | Flickr
We’re back with the final instalment of our Indoor Fitness Alternatives series. If you missed Part I and Part II, give them a read before checking out Part III.
Gymnastics
Gymnastics is a great workout for kids and adults alike. Though gymnastics is a sport that requires strength and flexibility, you don’t need to be able to bend in half to try gymnastics for the first time. Over time, gymnastics can help improve your physical strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, balance, and grace, as well as keeping you limber and in great shape. Adult gymnastics classes are offered at Phoenix Gymnastics and Flicka Gymnastics (along with programs for kids), while kids can also try gymnastics at Kitsilano Gymnastics, Britannia Community Services Centre, and Renfrew Park Community Centre in Vancouver.
Martial Arts
Martial arts are structured systems and traditions of training for combat. There are a variety of styles, including karate, tae kwon do, judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and capoeira, but all are physically active sports that will get you moving. Martial arts can improve your cardiovascular health, increase and tone your muscles, sharpen your reflexes, and improve your focus and concentration. You can try martial arts at community centres around Vancouver or at Shito-ryu Karate-do, Vancouver Kyokushin Karate, and Hayabusa Karate (for karate), Kees Tae Kwon Do, Chen Taekwondo, and Third Eye Martial Arts (for tae kwon do), Gracie Barra and North Vancouver Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (for ju-jitsu), and Grupo Axé Capoeira, Abada Capoeira, and Capoeira Aché Brasil Academy (for capoeira).
Photo credit: Fred Dunn | Flickr
Skateboarding
If you want to stay dry while skateboarding, head on over to The Dry Spot, Vancouver’s only indoor skatepark. The facility boasts 1,900 square feet of ramps, handrails, ledges, and a quarter pipe. Skateboarding can help maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, a philosophy The Dry Spot promotes. You can drop in to the facility to practice, or The Dry Spot also offers lessons for beginners and intermediate skateboarders.
Swordplay
There are a number of different places to pick up a sword in Vancouver, depending on the style of swordplay you would like to try. Fencing and kendo are popular in Vancouver, as well as historical swordplay. Fencing, one of the original Olympic sports, uses three different types of swords: the foil, épée, and saber. Depending on the type of sword, points are scored by touching different parts of your opponent’s body with the sword. Kendo is a Japanese sport that uses bamboo swords. Points are granted for striking your opponent in the correct areas. Swordplay requires you to be quick on your feet and mind. Over time, swordsmen can see improvements in their speed, agility, flexibility, and reflexes. You can try fencing at La Salle Fencing Club or Vancouver Theatrical Modern Fencing Club, or kendo at Vancouver Kendo Club, Sunrise Kendo Club, or Renbu Dojo. For historical European swordplay, Acadamie Duello teaches swordplay from the 1400s to the 1700s.
Beach Volleyball
Lastly, if you really can’t wait for summer, get your beach fix at 6Pack Indoor Beach Centre, an indoor beach facility right here in Vancouver. You can go for drop-in, clinics, or even join a beach volleyball league. In addition to volleyball, 6Pack also offers beach soccer/futsol and beach tennis. So stick your toes in the sand and play some beach sports without worrying if it’s going to rain!
Did we miss anything? What are you favourite indoor sports? Let us know in the comments below!
Article source: http://www.insidevancouver.ca/2013/11/30/indoor-fitness-alternatives-in-vancouver-part-iii/
