GAIA ADVENTURES FOR WOMEN
AN INVITATION TO LOVE YOUR LIFE

Physical activity promotes health and longevity

According to the latest Canadian Community Health Survey, 49% of Canadians (aged 20 and older) are at least moderately active during their leisure time. This amount of physical activity could be achieved through walking a total of half an hour or more a day.

Roughly 1 in 4 adults are classified as moderately active (25%), while the same proportion are classified as active (24%). ("Active", it they walked at least 1 hour every day. "Moderately active", if they walked 1/2 hour every day. "Inactive", if they walked no more than 1/4 hour every day.)

We in BC and Alberta are among the most likely to be classified as at least moderately active and those living in New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland and Quebec are the least likely. Men are more like than women to be at least moderately active, whereas women are more likely than men to be inactive. Older adults are more likely to be inactive, educated adults are more likely to be active and those with greater household incomes are more likely to be active.

Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living recommends that adults aged 25 to 55 should achieve 60 minutes of physical activity every day, or 30 minutes for 4 days a week if activity is moderate to vigorous in intensity. Adults older than 55 should achieve 30 to 60 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.

How active are you?

Could you do a little more? What has slowed you down? Don't enjoy the old exercises? Are you in a Catch 22 situation? Maybe it is time to try something new for fitness and health. Here are some popular ideas:

• Walk the seawall or walk in your neighborhood, walk for shopping...
  
  
• Play golf, hockey, baseball, softball, badminton, tennis, basketball,
  volleyball, ski, cycle, swim, football, soccer...
  
  
• Weight lift, strength train with a trainer or a boot camp, run, hike,
  walk or kayak with friends or a club. join a private gym, like:
  YWCA downtown, Denman Fitness, Olympic Fitness, Kitsilano Fitness,
  or others... (check the Yellow Pages)   

Just do it!

Canadians are more active now than they were in 1981 and 1988. We live in a fabulous outdoor center with numerous activities and options are at fingertips. We simply need to take the time and do it.

The many benefits of physical activity particularly for older women such as long-term protection against osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease and the importance of maintaining the functional abilities needed to carry out daily tasks, make it all worthwhile.

Upcoming Adventures:

Cool Two-for-One Special - come and make a splash:
Evening Paddle/Indian Arm: Learn to kayak with
a friend. "2-for-1" special; singles welcome!

Meet us at Deep Cove on Tuesday evening for a two-hour introduction to ocean kayaking. Single or double kayaks are available for you and your friend and include lifejacket, paddles, pump, spray skirt. Learn how to get in and out of the kayak safely, how to paddle in the most efficient way possible, what to do in the event of an emergency and more.

Kayak Deep Cove - August 21

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Easy introduction to kayaking.
No experience required.

EASY, all skills levels and abilities welcome
Learn how to kayak and enjoy paddling in Deep Cove, south end of Indian Arm. Learn more about kayaking and basic skills with an experienced guide.

Tuesday evening, August 21

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm - sunset kayaking

For 2: $99* + GST for two women (double kayak).

For 1: You are likewise welcome if you come by yourself. The cost for one is $60* + GST.

Price includes: kayak rentals, trained guide, healthy snack.
(Deep Cove Kayaking provides kayaks, paddles, spray skirts, life jacket and pumps.) Wetsuits, paddling rain jackets and rain hats may be rented.
Pre-registration required. Sorry, no refunds.

Indian Arm is a spectacular fjord with countless destinations for glorious day trips. Kayaking is the ultimate way to explore this unique body of water. Whether you want to get started or just feel safer in company - join this group event for an enjoyable half-day adventure on Saturday morning or afternoon.

>>> REGISTER HERE

The perfect late summer activity:
Hike Garibaldi Lake - for the first time or yet again.
A moderately challenging and rewarding 18.5 km hike in scenic Garibaldi Park. Always a great experience.

Hike Garibaldi Lake - September 15

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Moderately Challenging, Alpine Hiking

18.5 km, 6.5 hours, elevation gain 3030 ft

Saturday, September 15 (new date!)

7:30 AM to 5:30 PM

$80 + GST p.p.
Price includes: transportation, guide, healthy lunch.

The area around Garibaldi Lake is the jewel in the crown that is Garibaldi Park. There is a large turquoise lake with glaciers flowing into it, wild mountain scenery, volcanic landscapes and colourful flower meadows. The hike in is along a wide well-managed trail with numerous switch backs leading to Taylor Meadows. No matter how often you experience this place, it is breathtaking every time.

>>> REGISTER HERE

Getting serious with backpacking:
The ideal 2-day introductory experience for newbies or another Manning backpacking adventure weekend for more seasoned backpackers.

Backpack Manning Park - Sep 29-30

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Moderately Challenging, Backpacking Hiking

21 km (13 mi), 7 hours, 320 m (1050 ft) elevation gain, 3.0 grade

Saturday to Sunday, September 29-30

Two days, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM

$445 + GST p.p.
Price includes: transportation, guide, food.

Three Brothers Mountain is a triple summit with the three sub-peaks known as First, Second and Third Brother Mountains. Follow the Heather trail into alpine wonderland and enjoy luxuriant meadows and colourful wild flowers. The trails leads to Buckhorn Camp, Big Buck Mountain and Three Brothers Mountain. We will camp overnight at Kicking Horse Camp at 14 km (8.7 miles) and return by the same route. This is a great introductory backpacking weekend!  

More info from BC Parks, Manning Provincial Park

>>> REGISTER HERE