Angelica Haggert
Last October , Canadians were invited to vote for the 150 activities that could be considered Canadian .
In 2017 , they ’ re being encouraged to monitor the winning 150 activities .
The ParticipACTION150 Play List was created to celebrate the 150 years of being active in Canada . Almost half a million people voted to choose the list of activities which includes housework , curling , hopscotch and dog walking .
It ’ s not just a sports list . While traditional sports like curling , basketball , or volleyball are ones you can check off , you can also track activities like shovelling snow , building a snowman , or vacuuming . Tracking activities gets you points towards prizes including a trip to the Grey Cup or a Whistler vacation .
So far I have ten different activities checked off my list , earning me the “ Rookie ” badge . My regular squash matches , plus the never-ending housework , means I ’ ve collected the “ Make a Racquet ” and “ Clean Up Crew ” badges . My couple stops in at the Windsor Rock Gym have the “ Reach the Peak ” badge showing on my profile .
Participants are encouraged to share their accomplishments on social media with # 150PlayList . A quick scan of the hashtag shows rock climbing , fishing , axe throwing and snowshoeing . How … Canadian ?
Every few days , ParticipACTION posts a “ Pep Talk ,” encouraging people to get active . These pep talks include family-friendly activities , ways to stare at a screen less , and winter activities to do before the snow melts .
Logging on to the website on a rainy day
ParticipACTION is all about the encouragement ! Check out their website for your daily activity pep talk .
popped up “ A little rain won ’ t stop you from getting active , right ?” The website knew where I was ! It showed me the local weather and everything .
PlayList 150 is not the only program ParticipACTION coordinates . They are also promoting “ Sneak It In Week ” and the “ UPnGO ” program . The former is a week in April , encouraging everyone to sneak in 10 extra minutes of moving a day ; and the latter is physical activity workplace wellness program , encouraging workplaces to add more steps to their workdays .
It ’ s pretty well known that Canadians - adults and children alike - are not as active as they should be . The Globe and Mail gave Canadian kids a D in physical activity in 2016 . The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology recommend 60 minutes of physical activity per day for kids , and 150 minutes per week for adults . In the last five years , these guidelines have also added sleep requirements . That ’ s right - even though it ’ s important to move , it ’ s just as important to rest .
Adults aged 18-64 ( that ’ s me !), in addition to the 150 minutes a week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity are also recommended to partake in muscle strengthening activities two days a week . Being active according to these guidelines can improve overall health , strengthen muscles and bones , improve mental health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases .
The ParticipACTION website lets you explore the different recommendations for each age group - along with exploring the different kinds of activities Canadians chose to help get us moving .
You don ’ t have to be a professional athlete to be more healthy - just choose the stairs , do a lap around the office , or find a recreational volleyball , wheelchair basketball or axe throwing league to keep you moving .
Where are you exploring this spring ? Tell us about it ! Use the tag # ExploringMatters on Facebook and Twitter to let us know !
8 The HUB -March 2017