Vancouver Island is renowned for its active, adventurous and wellness-focused lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to win the next race, explore the outdoors or simply stay in shape, below are our recommendations of great places to get fit in Victoria and Nanaimo.
BDHQ BOOTCAMP – Take your workout outdoors with this heart-pumping, full-body conditioning program held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 6:45pm and Saturday mornings from 9 to 10:15am at various parks and beaches throughout the city. Victoria’s very first outdoor workout program, BDHQ BOOTCAMP offers beach runs, plyometrics, stairs, interval training and core work, with modifications to accommodate everyone, from the beginner to the pro.
SPINCO – The indoor cycling studio offers classes designed to strengthen the whole body and energize the mind. Since 2014, SPINCO classes have been inspiring cyclists to work together as one team and one bike, moving to the beat of the music. The Victoria studio offers multiple classes a day to accommodate all schedules, from early morning to evening rides.
CRAG X CLIMBING CENTRE – This state-of-the-art, indoor climbing facility offers its own brand of “urban cliff culture” in the heart of Downtown Victoria. The community-centric gym focuses on soulful climbing, teaching newcomers a love of climbing as well as how to manage their safety gear. Individual and group lessons are offered for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans looking to refine their skills. Youth lessons for ages 12 to 16 teach the skills necessary for kids and teens to start climbing on their own.
BALLISTIC STRENGTH – This Nanaimo hotspot offers small group fitness classes, private training and personal coaching. With a focus on classic strength movements, classes incorporate kettlebells, dumbbells, medicine balls, sleds, ergometers and the list goes on. Classes emphasize strength, power, aerobic fitness and full-body mobility, with a focus on Essential Human Movements (hinge, squat, push, pull and carry). Most importantly, the studio wants what you learn to carry over to the things you enjoy most, whether hiking, skiing, running or team sports.
WILDPLAY ELEMENT PARK – If you’re looking to add a little adrenaline-fused fun to your workout, this Nanaimo destination offers a range of adventure courses, including 19 ziplines and 67 aerial games. The sky-high obstacle courses are filled with suspended surprises, from log ladders and cargo nets to rope swings and tightropes. One of our personal favorites (in name and spirit) is the WTF JUMP, short for What’s to Fear Jump, where after climbing 40 feet up a rope ladder you get to jump over the edge on a tethered line.
