Hey UBC, there are so many ways to get fit for free this Fall!

1. Walk and jog: It’s the easiest thing do, and those minutes add up. You can get 30 minutes in just walking from Fairview to and from class. We’re also surrounded by trails so take advantage, the trees provide some cover from rain too. The UBC Rashpal Dhillon Track and Field Oval is a great running track (corner of Wesbrook Mall and 16^th Ave.). Refer to bottom for cold running tips.

1. Commonsblock gym: It’s free and it’s open 24/7. There are a few bikes, ellipticals, cross trainers, mats, and floor space. It will get crowded during peak hours, so you’ll need to do some creative time management.

1. Skate at the Thunderbird Arena: The rink is right down the street! Free entry for UBC students, skate rentals are extra. Call 604-822-6121 or visit for their website for public skating times: http://www.thunderbirdarena.ubc.ca/public-sessions/public-skating.php

1. Drop-in Sports at UBC REC: Stop by REC to play soccer, volleyball, badminton, basketball, table tennis, etc., all the equipment is free for use as well as access to showers. Drop-in schedule: http://rec.ubc.ca/dropin.cfm.

1. Swim at the UBC Aquatic Centre: All facilities are free for UBC students. There’s also a gym downstairs, plus a hot tub and sauna/steam. If you get bored take a dive off the 5m. You can also do water running, it’s like treading water but at a higher intensity. Check out the pool schedule online: http://www.aquatics.ubc.ca/

1. UBC Yoga Club: This club provides cheap yoga to students ($2 a class), check them out: http://ubcyogaclub.com/.

Cold running tips:

• Warm up and cool down: Especially important for cold weather exercise to prevent injury. Aim to warm up indoors, take 10-15 minutes before and after your workout to do some dynamic stretches.

• What to wear: Dress dry not only warm. That means no cotton, but instead synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and polypropylene. You could start with a base layer of synthetics, then a water resistant outer shell, add a fleecy middle layer if needed. Wear tight clothes, the compression helps to improve insulation and circulation so your muscles recover faster. Your extremities (hands, ear, toes) are the first to get cold so wear gloves, socks, and you can wrap duct tape around shoes as a shoe cover. Don’t forget to wear a hat.

Remember to choose activities you enjoy, invite friends, plan out your exercise and make it fun. Cheers to getting fit, healthy, and happy everyone.