I recently read a quote about New Year’s resolutions that I absolutely loved. “Ditch the resolutions. To resolve means to find a solution to a problem. You are not a problem. Now is a time to reflect. To learn. To create intention…Rooted in self-love and backed with action.” If you are finding yourself this January thinking about goals for the year ahead, self-improvement, or whatever you want to call it — I hope that our Northern hub of Prince George has all that you require to support your goals and ideas.
Fitness
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CrossFit Northern Ice
I feel like there’s always a strong focus on the fitness and health aspect of starting a new year. While I’ve never been that great at New Year’s resolutions — admittedly, I have made this part of mine for 2020. If your resolution for this year involves health and fitness, there are certainly no lack of options in Prince George. The City’s Active Living Guide is a good place to start if you’re looking to sign up for a team sport or lessons, pool schedules, local parks/trails, and the latest activities at your local community centre. I also found this just a great overall resource when I first moved to town.
It’s never easy starting something new, fitness-related or otherwise. After overthinking it for far too long, I signed up at an amazing CrossFit gym (CrossFit Northern Ice) a couple of months ago. After overcoming the fear of starting something up again (that I’d taken a major hiatus from), it definitely feels good to be regularly working out again, putting a priority on my health, and meeting some friendly new faces.
There are lots of gyms around town, varying in size, equipment and classes available. Anytime Fitness, Live & Lift Ladies Fitness, Gold’s Gym, GoodLife Fitness, YMCA, and the Northern Sport Centre to name just a few. Many gyms have special rates for 2020 resolutioners, family rates, and some even offer childminding services for your little humans. Trying to find the gym that’s right for you? Try a couple of drop-ins here and there. Happy gym hunting!
Slow down
I need to be better at this, maybe this is my year! Yoga is one of my favourite ways to relax and unwind. The city has several studios in and around town, ranging from beginner to intermediate levels of experience, and some even offer kids classes. Admittedly, in my relatively short time living in Prince George, the only formal yoga class I have attended was a girl’s night planned with a few friends to the Northern Lights Estate Winery. Wine paired with yoga, what better way to relax on a summer evening!
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Making art at Two Rivers Gallery.
Feeling creative? Two Rivers Gallery continually hosts great classes and workshops. Try it Tuesdays (7-9 pm) you can try a different activity each week. Booze and Build you can try your hand at something new and enjoy a glass of wine or beer while hanging out at the studio. Check out their website with an incredible list of classes for varying ages and skill levels, from paint pouring to 3D printing a key chain. Another great local place to pop in for a class is Watts Arts Academy. She offers an assortment of classes for kids, teens and adults, and has a great selection of art supplies.
A little pampering
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Have a spa day!
Being self-employed, I like to support others with small businesses when I can. If you’re looking for a spa treatment, manicure, haircut etc., there are no lack of aestheticians around town with small or home-based businesses (just search “aestheticians near me” if you’re a Facebooker). If you’re looking for a larger spa with a wider range of services, there are a ton of places throughout PG. A starting point for me when I moved to town was the Prince George Citizen’s Reader’s Choice Awards.
Happy 2020
As I reflect on the past year, it was really about settling into my new found city or Prince George. This year, I am looking forward to discovering new places, undiscovered outdoor adventures, meeting some new friendly faces, and letting life slow down a bit to enjoy the little things. I hope that a few of my suggestions help support your learning, self-love, or goals for 2020. And whatever your aspirations are for the new year, may this city have the spaces you require, and the people to support you.
