Tag Archive for: indoor activity

The 10 Best Indoor Pools in Montreal

Montreal has dozens of indoor and outdoor pools to enjoy swimming. Here are the ten best indoor pools in this beautiful city! Read Here


The 10 Best Indoor Pools in Montreal

Swimming is one of the best cardiovascular exercises that increase your heart rate and burn calories. It builds muscle strength and improves endurance, heart, lungs, and kidney health. Montreal has dozens of outdoor and indoor swimming pools. However, today’s article will list the top ten indoor pools in this French-inspired city. Read on!


1. Piscine Levesque

Piscine Levesque is the most versatile indoor swimming pool, allowing people to enjoy swimming in excellent, clean, and calm water. The company also offers a diversified program, including fitness classes, swimming lessons, aqua prenatal, aqua boot camp, and lifesaving lessons. The facility provides people with showers, changing tables, changing room, a bathroom, and free Wi-Fi.

Piscine Levesque is not just an ordinary indoor swimming facility. It stands as a testament to versatility in aquatic activities, drawing enthusiasts with its crystal-clear and tranquil waters perfect for swimming. Recognizing the diverse interests of its patrons, Piscine Levesque offers an array of programs tailored for all ages and skills. These range from invigorating fitness sessions and structured swimming instruction to unique classes like aqua prenatal workouts and the intense aqua boot camp. For those interested in mastering safety skills, the facility also conducts lifesaving courses. Convenience and comfort are paramount at Piscine Levesque. Visitors will appreciate the well-maintained amenities including showers, changing tables, spacious changing rooms, and restroom facilities. Furthermore, for those who want to stay connected, free Wi-Fi access ensures they can do so even as they enjoy their time at the pool.

Address: 955 Marie-Anne St E, Montreal, Quebec H2J 3E1
Phone: (514) 872-2823
Province: Quebec


2. Piscine Schubert

Piscine Schubert is an indoor pool that offers state-of-the-art services, including swimming lessons, fitness classes, aqua Zumba, aqua prenatal, and lifesaving training. Unlike an outdoor pool crowded with people, Piscine Schubert is the best place to enjoy swimming in a calm, clean, and comfortable facility.

Piscine Schubert stands as a premier indoor swimming facility, boasting cutting-edge services tailored to meet the needs of all its patrons. Here, one can dive into a range of programs from traditional swimming lessons and fitness sessions to the rhythm-filled aqua Zumba and specialized aqua prenatal classes. For those aiming to acquire crucial lifesaving skills, training is also available. In contrast to the hustle and bustle of crowded outdoor pools, Piscine Schubert offers a serene oasis, ensuring every swimmer experiences a tranquil, immaculate, and cozy environment.

Address: 3950 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2W 2V3

 


3. Parc Martin-Luther-King swimming pool

The Marti-Luther King Park has an indoor swimming pool facility located at Kent Avenue and Hudson road in Montreal. It is a reputable facility that attracts people of all ages and skill levels.

In addition to swimming in the indoor pool, you can participate in swimming lessons. The facility offers free swimming for people during the summer season. Parc Martin has a team of professionals who make substantial efforts to test the water quality and maintain the pool.

Address: 6262 Chem. Hudson, Montréal, QC H3S 2H1


4. Centre du Plateau swimming pool

The Center du plateau is another indoor pool company in Montreal, offering a wide range of aquatic activities, including aqua fitness, swimming lessons, aqua jogging, aqua combo, and aqua spinning.

The best thing about Centre du Plateau is that it offers free swimming for children and teenagers. It is a full air condition indoor swimming pool with showers, a drinking fountain, a launching ramp, a changing room, a family room, bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi.

Address: 2275 St Joseph Blvd E, Montreal, Quebec H2H 1G4


5. DoubleTree by Hilton Montreal

DoubleTree by Hilton Montreal is one of the best hotels with a calm, clean, and fantastic indoor pool, allowing people to swim and have fun with their loved ones. However, the indoor pool is not free, but if you stay in the hotel, it is part of the package. The hotel also provides safety equipment for beginners and children.

6. Le Square Phillips Hotel & Suites

Le Square Phillips’s top floor has a fantastic indoor pool with excellent facilities, including free Wi-Fi, changing room, and bathrooms. The staff is friendly and will assist children and beginners in enjoying the activity. In addition, it is a well-maintained swimming pool with clean and comfortable water, allowing you to make the most of your time in the water.


7. The Ritz-Carlton

There is a beautiful indoor pool and a stunning outside terrace on the top level of the Ritz-Carlton hotel. The best time to swim in the pool is the summer season, particularly during May, June, and July. The staff is friendly and accommodating, ensuring the pool remains clean and disinfected.


8. Le Westin Montreal

Le Westin Montreal offers many facilities for locals and tourists, including a spa, sauna, gym, and indoor pool. Although the pool is small, it is convenient, comfortable, and reliable because it is less crowded and an excellent option for people who don’t like sharing pools with others.


9. Cegep du Vieux

Cegep du Vieux is another best indoor pool in Montreal, offering free of charge swimming for locals and tourists. You can enjoy various aquatic activities or take free swimming lessons. The staff makes substantial efforts to maintain the indoor pool. The facility also has showers, locker rooms, bathrooms, and changing rooms.


10. Piscine Saint-Henri

Piscine Saint-Henri is an indoor pool in Montreal with public and private spaces. You can enjoy swimming with people around or book a private space to relish the activity. Piscine Saint-Henri requires visitors to wear a mask before and after swimming. The facility offers comfortable amenities, including a bike rack, changing table, locker room, drinking fountain, bathroom, and free Wi-Fi.


Final Words

Swimming is one of the best physical activities to improve overall health and wellbeing. Although you can swim in your home’s pool, it requires regular cleaning and maintenance.

Therefore, becoming a member of a private indoor swimming pool or enjoying the activity at public pools is an excellent option to avoid hassle and achieve your fitness objectives. Until Next Time!


  • Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
  • Photos from Unsplash & canva.

Date: March 28, 2010 | Author: Adriano | Category: Health Recommendations 


The top 5 workout equipment to workout from home with

In-Home Fitness Equipment

(Opinion Article | Please note: Article includes Affiliate links to Amazon)

With the gyms being closed down it has become harder for people to stay active. While we can go for walks and runs sometimes it is not enough. While we are in quarantine it is important to, first of all, be safe but can also be a period for inner growth. Remaining active during this time is really important and can really be a morale booster for your physical and mental health. Looking good makes you feel good so we suggest picking up some home gym equipment to get you to stay active during these trying times.


TRX

The first option we suggest is the TRX which are suspension body-weight trainers. The great thing about these is that they are usable indoors and outdoors so you can complete a full-body workout wherever you have something sturdy to attach it to. The TRX is also beginner-friendly and a great addition for people with gym experience. It really shines as a product because of the versatility of exercises you can do with it. 

What makes the TRX a worthwhile investment is that it has a very healthy post-purchase support. They have a great app available but we also especially like the fact that it provides its users with free workouts for those who don’t really know where to start or for those who are new to the TRX. It is also space-efficient and is an overall great choice for anybody looking to stay active during the outbreak.

TRX

Photo by Matthew LeJune on Unsplash

 

You can find the TRX through its homepage at https://www.trxtraining.com/ or on Amazon.com. On the homepage, however, they have different options for the TRX and also have fitness bundles which can be an interesting option as well.

Price: ~$179 (depending on what package you get)


Door Frame Pull Up Bar

Attachable pull-up bars are a great way to keep active during the quarantine. The concept is simple as you can do only a couple exercises with it but are powerful ones as they are not for the faint of heart. The pull-up bar is a great upper body workout that is really challenging to anyone because you are lifting your own dead weight up. It is also one of the most effective exercises you can do as it hits a majority of your upper body. 

We believe that a door frame pull-up bar also has a psychological effect on some people. Seeing the pull-up bar acts almost like a reminder for you to get a few reps in whenever you pass by the door. If you manage to keep up with this you will see that your strength will increase very quickly. This could be a perfect fit for you if you’re having trouble staying committed to remaining active while you are at home.


Power Tower

A power tower is something that is extremely versatile when it comes to what workouts you can accomplish on it. It is basically like a station at the gym with multiple functions, for instance, there is a pull-up section, push-up station, a dip station as well as a knee raise station. 

The main muscle groups it targets are the arms, chest, shoulders, and core. You can really get a full upper-body workout because of the flexibility of a power tower. Keep in mind that for a Power Tower you will need some space in your house to set this up!

There are other options but here is where you can start your research. 

Find it at: https://amzn.to/3bukMki

Price: $157 


Kettlebells

Kettlebell’s for those who don’t know, are essentially an iron or steel metal ball with a handle on it. The beauty of a kettlebell is its ability to be used for a variety of different workouts, from the upper body to lower body exercises you can really get a high-intensity workout in. You can easily find kettlebell workouts online and are an easy way for you to stay active at home. Kettlebells are extremely easy to use and don’t need a lot of space to be used efficiently. You can also store a kettlebell fairly easily so there is no issue for them taking space.

Kettlebell exercises are known to improve flexibility, overall muscular strength, core strength and helps burn fat and keep muscle lean. They are a great tool in anyone’s fitness toolbox because of their flexibility.

Find some at: https://amzn.to/3bpCDJk

Price:~starting at $25 but price increases with heavier kettlebells

 

Photo by Jesper Aggergaard on Unsplash


Rowing Machine

Rowing Machine

Photo by Kyle Kranz on Unsplash

Many swear by rowing machines as they are a great way to engage your whole body and keep the calories off. It is something that you can do in a short amount of time as well like 15-minute workouts which are high intensity but deliver solid results. If you are someone who wants something simple that will challenge you every time you get on, a rowing machine can be perfect for you. It is an amazing cardio machine that has really outmatched the treadmill and exercise bikes because of its capabilities to be able to train more than just legs while keeping thew rhythm at a high tempo.

What’s great about a rowing machine is that you are able to challenge yourself without hurting yourself. It is a safe machine that minimizes injuries and you can really push hard to try and beat your previous rowing stats. A rowing machine excels when it comes to burning calories and building a good foundation for your muscles to be stronger and better defined. 

Like all the equipment on the list, you can easily find workout programs for rowing so you can try something different every time. Rowing machines don’t take up too much space and can be easily folded and stored for future use. While it is the most expensive item on our list it is definitely worth the investment because of the dividends it could pay off for you.

Find one at: https://amzn.to/2QOrEkV

Price: $900

 

 


Bonus: If you really want to challenge yourself try to pick up a weighted vest from Amazon. They add 20-50 pounds to your current weight. They are a relatively cheap expense that can bring out some big change as it really pushes you to work for that extra weight on you. It will make every single workout that much harder and can also be used as an additional accessory to every single piece of equipment on our list.

Top 10 things to do indoors in Canada

Top 10 Home Activities During the Coronavirus Outbreak

  1. Read that book you’ve been putting off

    Most of us have that book or series that we’ve been wanting to read forever but haven’t gotten the chance to do it for a multitude of reasons. Why not decide to go for it while you have the time? We know we have a few from our list that we’re getting to (or trying to do so, at the very least)!

  2. Create a list of movies and tv-shows you’ve been wanting to watch

    In the same space as reading that book, take this opportunity to finally get around to those movies and tv-shows that your friends have been begging you to watch, but have always been putting off to watch something else.

  3. Video chat with friends

    Use your Skype, WhatsApp, Facetime, Zoom or whatever app you use to stay in touch with your friends. Having face to face contact is sometimes better than texts, besides, who doesn’t like seeing their friends?

  4. Have a board game night with some close friends

    Speaking of video chats, Is there anything that brings you back to childhood faster than a board game night with friends? Make the effort and ask your friends to have a couple of games through video chat. Our favorite is Dungeons & Dragons which can easily be played over video or voice chat!

  5. Workout at home with yoga and bodyweight exercises

    With gyms being closed, it could be a good opportunity to keep up or start with bodyweight exercises. Some great programs can be found with a simple google search. Motivate yourself to take the leap! We also encourage you to try yoga as it is a great workout and a fantastic stress reliever.

  6. Get ahead on some spring cleaning

    This could be an opportunity to get ahead on something that we know is coming up for most, the dreaded spring cleaning. We suggest listening to podcasts or audiobooks while doing the cleaning to keep you interested for longer!

  7. Work on a new hobby

    Being indoors is a great time to try out a new hobby! Whether it is trying new recipes you’ve been wanting to do or a learning language on Duolingo to picking up a new instrument. Learning new hobbies can really be a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

  8. Do some home projects

    If you’ve been planning on moving furniture or wanting to repaint a room, now would be a great time to take advantage!

  9. Take online classes

    If you’re like us and love to learn, consider taking online classes when and where they are available. Usually, you can use your local university site as a starting point in your search for a course. They’re very informative and can maybe spark an interest you didn’t think was there.

  10. Start a journal

    We find journaling to be a very relaxing way to spend the time. So why not give it a shot? If you’ve had stuff on your mind, want to write down an epic story or you just want to organize yourself better, start journaling, it could be a cathartic outlet for you to put your ideas and thoughts on paper at this particular point in time.

Bonus: Google chrome has released the Netflix Party extension so you can watch Netflix at the same time as your friends, another way to stay contacted and do things together at the same time.

Indoor Activites to do in Montreal for Winter 2020

Baby, it’s cold outside! And as much as we strive to embrace the snow – it is here for long enough, after all – sometimes embracing the cold means enjoying all the amazing indoor activities Montreal has to offer.

So, if you’re looking to spend some time not freezing your baguettes off, here are some of our favourite indoor activity spots for the 2019/2020 winter season:

Nerf gun in hand

Get Physical

Here is list of activities that require physical effort in Montreal.

If staying active is important to you, there’s no reason to give that up in winter. There are plenty of indoor activities that go beyond your neighborhood gym, but still get your heart (and muscles) pumping:

  • Climbing: This is a great activity for almost all ages and is fun solo, or with a group. And two great climbing gyms are super close by: Allez Up and Centre Vertical.
  • Nerf: Yes, you can have an all out Nerf war with your friends, family or coworkers. It must be pretty popular because there are several highly rated places including Sports de Combats, Combat Nerf and Nerf Hero. Look out, Aunt Ida! The family reunion’s about to get wild!
  • Trampoline: Get your bounce on at your choice of Sky Zone (Dorval), iSaute (multiple locations), Sky Tag (DDO) and more.
  • Escape rooms: So you can “escape” winter! Sorry. Unavoidable dad joke. You can find our top 5 escape rooms here.
  • Axe throwing: Do you get angry in the winter? Angry at the ice? The snow? The traffic? The cold? The 4pm darkness? The 12 layers you have to put on before leaving the house? Get that rage out, axe style! Try Rage Axe Throwing (Montreal and St. Hubert), Combat d’Archers (Montreal) or Maniax (St. Leonard).

 

Get Artsy

Here is a list of artistic and creative activities to do in Montreal.

Not everyone wants to throw axes (or at least, not all the time). Some people want to create! If arts and crafts are more your thing, check out these activities:

  • Ceramic Cafe: With locations in Montreal, DDO, Laval and Greenfield Park, there’s bound to be one not far from you. Ceramic Cafe is also a true cafe, so you can get food and drinks to enjoy while you work on something special for yourself or as a gift.
  • Paint Night: Unleash your inner Bob Ross and a few “happy little trees”! A lot of people feel intimidated by painting, but Paint Night isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about having fun and trying something new. There are events held all over the city, so check out the website to see what’s coming near you.
  • Museum workshops: Did you know that many of Montreal’s museums offer workshops? Check out the art workshops available at le Musée d’art contemporain, the many workshops and programs available from the Fine Arts Museum, or some of the arts and crafts activities at the McCord.
  • Take a pottery class: Lose yourself in clay! Check out the upcoming winter session at Atelier Spirale (starts January 2020), sign up for a workshop at Atelier Forma, or choose a workshop or course at Atelier Make (new session of courses begins every 8 weeks).
Girl painting Ceramic cups

Photo by Andy Kelly on Unsplash

Expand Your Mind

Here is a list of Educational Activites to do in Montreal:

  • Museum exhibitions: There are always great exhibits to check out. Happening this winter is: 
  • Science time: There’s plenty to learn and experience at the Planetarium, the Science Center, the Environment Museum at the Biosphere, or leg it out to Laval for a trip to the Cosmodome.
  • Grow your career: Why not take advantage of the winter to learn a new skill or expand your knowledge? Both McGill and Concordia universities offer a range of workshops to help expand your career possibilities as well as your professional network.
museum hallway

Photo by Deanna J on Unsplash

Get Musical

Here is a list of Musical Activites to do in Montreal:

There is live music all over this city, and it doesn’t disappear with the sun. It just moves indoors! Here are a few hotspots where you can take in live music, often for free or very little cost:

  • Hurley’s Irish Pub – Live music and entertainment 7 nights a week
  • Bistro a Jojo – Live blues & jazz 7 nights a week
  • Casa del Popolo – Live shows most nights for a small ticket price – be sure to check the calendar!
  • The Rialto Theatre – While not free, and sometimes a bit on the pricey side, there are some really unique shows at the Rialto, while the venue itself is something to be experienced as well. If you really want to get decadent, they’re holding a “Party Like Gatsby” event in April 2020 (which, let’s face it, is still winter in Montreal).
  • Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill – Live shows 7 nights a week – check their calendar as they have some great folks lined up!
People playing jazz music in montreal

Photo by Jens Thekkeveettil on Unsplash

Get Board

Here are some places to play board games in Montreal:

As in, board games! Check out your local independent cafe, as many of them have board games on site. Most will allow you to bring your own board or card games, as long as you’re also purchasing something. Aside from that, there are actually dedicated board game cafes in Montreal. Our top pick is La Récréation on Ontario street, but there’s also Randolph’s with several locations in and around the city. 

Whether you’re looking for things to do in Montreal in December, January or the many more long months of winter, there is plenty to choose from that doesn’t end with a case of frostbite.

Board game on a table in a bar in montreal

Photo by Christopher Paul High on Unsplash

What’s your favourite indoor activity in or around Montreal? Share it in the comments!