As modern lifestyles make it easy to be sedentary, active living in Calgary has become a key focus for people of all ages. Long work hours, screen time, and convenience-based living contribute to health risks like poor posture, stiffness, and chronic diseases.
Research shows that even those who exercise regularly but remain sedentary for most of the day are still at risk for health problems. The good news is that incorporating simple movement into your daily routine helps combat this, improving circulation, flexibility, and energy levels.
Notably, active living differs from exercise. While exercise is an important part of the whole picture, active living in Calgary is about making movement a natural part of your daily routine. While exercise is more structured and intentional (such as going to the gym or taking a fitness class), active living goes beyond that – it includes everyday activities like walking, taking the stairs, gardening, and more.
What Does Active Living in Calgary Look Like?
Combating Sedentary Lifestyles – With many Calgarians working desk jobs or spending long hours commuting, physical inactivity is a growing concern. Sitting for extended periods can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and long-term health risks. Prioritizing movement throughout the day – whether through walking or stretching – helps counteract these effects.
Mental Health & Stress Management – The fast pace of modern life can take a toll on mental well-being. Regular movement is proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by boosting endorphins and improving overall mood. In a city where winters can be long and dark, staying active indoors or finding creative ways to move can help maintain emotional balance and resilience.
Aging Well & Maintaining Mobility – As Calgary’s population ages, maintaining strength, flexibility, and balance becomes even more important. Active living helps older adults prevent injuries, maintain independence, and enjoy a high quality of life. The Riverside Club, for example, has a long-standing community of seniors who prioritize movement to stay healthy and engaged.
Adapting to Calgary’s Weather – While Calgary offers beautiful outdoor recreation, harsh winters and unpredictable weather can limit opportunities for year-round activity. Finding indoor options, like an indoor saltwater pool, indoor tennis courts, or group fitness classes, ensures that people can stay active regardless of the season.
Building Stronger Communities – Active living fosters a sense of community and belonging. Whether it’s playing sports, joining group classes, or engaging in outdoor activities, movement brings people together. Calgary’s fitness facilities, parks, and recreation programs help residents stay socially connected while prioritizing their health.
Encouraging a Balanced Approach to Fitness – Many fitness trends come and go, but true active living is about sustainable, long-term movement rather than extreme exercise routines. A well-rounded approach, like that offered at The Riverside Club, focuses on enjoyable activities that support lifelong health rather than short-term results.
Barriers to Active Living in Calgary
Beginning an active lifestyle can be challenging, especially with busy schedules, lack of motivation, or uncertainty about where to start. Understanding common barriers to active living can help individuals recognize the obstacles that may be preventing them from maintaining a consistent and healthy routine.
Active Living Every Day (ALED) is an evidence-based program designed to promote lasting behavior change. Instead of simply prescribing exercise, ALED takes a unique approach by addressing the underlying causes of inactivity. Some examples include:
- Lack of time and motivation
- Feeling intimidated in large gyms
- The fear of being judged
- The overwhelming feeling of where to start
- Creating realistic goals and rewards
- A lack of a strong support system
- The guilt after falling off of a routine
With the above in mind, we can connect this information to active living in Calgary and how places like The Riverside Club encourage movement within the local community.
How The Riverside Club Supports Active Living
Since 1980, The Riverside Club has been a key part of Calgary’s fitness community. Originally a racquet club, it has grown into a full-service Health and Wellness Centre for all fitness levels. While trends change, The Riverside Club remains a welcoming space focused on true health and well-being.
Unlike big-box gyms, The Riverside Club offers:
- A relaxed, community-driven atmosphere with personalized service.
- Friendly and accommodating staff.
- Flexible membership options that fit your lifestyle, with no pressure to sign up.
- A holistic approach to health and fitness, including a saltwater pool, indoor tennis courts, and group classes to encourage movement in a variety of ways.
- A welcoming community with a mindset of longevity, well-being, and enjoyment in staying active.
Many members of The Riverside Club have been coming for decades, building friendships that go beyond fitness. While fitness trends come and go, The Riverside Club is a timeless gym that offers the perfect environment to move, connect, and prioritize lifelong health.
Start Your Active Living Calgary Journey Today
Prioritizing movement isn’t just about fitness; it’s about feeling your best, staying independent, and enjoying life to the fullest. If you’re looking for a comfortable facility to include exercise as part of your active lifestyle, try The Riverside Club for free with our 7-Day fitness pass.
Contact us or drop by our facility on the corner of Shaganappi Trail and Memorial Drive.
