Physical Health
Self-Management BC
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In partnership with The University of Victoria and the Province of BC free programs and workshops are offered to help improve the health and quality of life for adults of all ages living with one or more ongoing health conditions. Programs are offered virtually, online, by telephone, or by mail for adults living in BC.
Toll Free: 1-866-902-3767 Email: selfmgmt@uvic.ca |
Choose To Move
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Choose To Move is a science-based approach to help you introduce the habit of physical activity into your daily life in ways that make sense for you. In this free program, you work with a trained activity coach who helps you develop a plan made just for you. When it gets tough, you will have the support from your coach and a group of other seniors.
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Ride Don't Hide - Cycling for Mental Health Awareness
Free Rapid Covid Tests at Pharmacies
Rapid antigen testing kits are free for people 18+
Rapid antigen testing kits are free for residents of B.C. 18 years and older who have a Personal Health Number (PHN).
If you're under the age of 30, kits will be available soon.
1 kit contains 5 individual tests
You are allowed 1 kit every 28 days. This makes sure that everyone who wants a kit can get one. You can't pay for additional kits. A test should only be used by people who develop symptoms of COVID-19 and want to confirm a positive or negative result. The tests are not suitable for international travel requirements.
Get your kit
Visit your local pharmacy and ask for your testing kit. Pharmacy staff will:
Rapid antigen testing kits are free for residents of B.C. 18 years and older who have a Personal Health Number (PHN).
If you're under the age of 30, kits will be available soon.
1 kit contains 5 individual tests
You are allowed 1 kit every 28 days. This makes sure that everyone who wants a kit can get one. You can't pay for additional kits. A test should only be used by people who develop symptoms of COVID-19 and want to confirm a positive or negative result. The tests are not suitable for international travel requirements.
Get your kit
Visit your local pharmacy and ask for your testing kit. Pharmacy staff will:
- Ask for your PHN. You can find your PHN on the back of your B.C. driver's licence, BC Services Card or CareCard
- Give you 1 kit
Indoor Roller Skating
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If you’re looking for some retro fun with a modern twist, look no further than Rollerland at the PNE.
Saturday nights at 6pm or 8pm, the roller rink opens for those 19+. $20 includes roller skate rental. Book your tickets here. |
Project 529 Bike Registration Friday Drop-In's
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Registered Massage Therapy at Langara College
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Receive affordable, quality massage therapy through our CS Diploma in Registered Massage Therapy student clinics. Located at their West Broadway campus, their student clinic is open to members of the public and offer participants assessment and treatment from a supervised student in a learning setting.
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Reduced-Cost Massage Therapy at Vancouver College of Massage Therapy
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Massage treatment is often expensive. One way to help afford massage is with a student at the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy. Costs range from $25-$50, depending on things such as whether you are seeking relaxation or therapeutic massage.
Note that all appointments are about an hour and a half and include 10 – 15 minute assessment & treatment planning, 5 – 10 minute consultation with supervising Registered Massage Therapist, 45 – 55 minute massage, and 5 minute reassessment & homecare. For individuals who are pregnant or seeking treatment for orthopedic/neurological concerns, please request an advanced student. The college and clinic are located near Burrard and Pender streets, at #300 – 1050 West Pender Street. The students are not yet licensed, but you can use the receipt for your taxes as it falls under health/medical. |
Sliding Scale Acupuncture
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Poke Community Acupuncture charges $25-45 per treatment with an additional $10 admin fee for your first visit only. You pay what you can afford. No questions asked.
The clinic is located on Kingsway, near Knight Street. Note that since the Covid-19 pandemic, they no longer have a self-serve machine to pay at the front, as it was not very pandemic friendly. They now ask that you store your credit card on file, to facilitate treatment payment. There is a user-friendly online process that will walk you through this process. |
Ready to Quit Smoking? Ready for Some Help?
Walking Club: Vancouver Branch of the International Volkssport Club
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When: Thursdays and weekends
Time: Departure time is usually 10am or 10:30am, with check-in beginning half an hour before. Where: Meeting places vary depending on the walk location Cost:
The Vancouver ’Venturers Volkssport Club offer year-round, walks throughout the Vancouver region, combining fitness, sightseeing, and social experiences for people of all ages. The ‘Venturers are a friendly inclusive club, and encourage everyone to join them All walks have 5km & 10km route options. Walks include parks, forests, urban streets and trails, and glorious lake and ocean views. Volssport walking clubs exist across Canada, throughout the United States, and in more than 50 countries around the world. There are seven clubs in British Columbia. Check out the Vancouver Calendar to find a ‘Venturer’s walk for you. Get fit together! They look forward to meeting you. |
Vancity Community Pass - Cycling that’s More Affordable!
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Vancity, the City of Vancouver, and Mobi by Shaw Go are making bike share more accessible and affordable with the Vancity Community Pass - now even more people can enjoy the benefits of biking in Vancouver with discounted memberships and cash payment options.
You may qualify for this pass if you have a: – Leisure Access Pass – Red Compass Card – Third Party Referral from a partner organization *No credit card required. Cash options available. People can contact their coach if they want support or need a third party community reference. |
Free Online No Equipment Fitness classes
YMCA Workout Videos
Hillcrest Aquatic Centre - 50% off Admission [on hold during Covid-19]
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Don't have a Leisure Access Pass? Take advantage of this deal from the City, at Hillcrest Aquatic Centre.
Rate is usually $6.10 + tax but on Monday & Wednesday afternoons, it is 50 % off ($3.05 + Tax) Take a dip in the 30 degree pool ... float down the lazy river ... sit in the hot tub ... steam or sauna rooms ... swim laps or if you are daring .. jump off the diving boards. Located near Ontario and 29th, click the button below for address and map. |
Coal Harbour Waterfront Walkers
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Saturdays, 9:30am - 11:30am
Meets weekly at Coal Harbour Community Centre; variety of scenic walks. The group walks about 6km, for about three hours including a coffee stop. Participants either bus or walk back. Free. Call for details, phone: 604-718-8222 |
Scottish Country Dancing [On Hold During Covid-19]
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When: Tuesdays, 7:30 - 9:30pm
Where: West End Community Centre 870 Denman Street Cost: $ 6.50 drop-in Similar to square dancing (without the foot stomping), Scottish Country Dance is a great form of aerobic exercise, physical but not too strenuous - and some mental challenge. There are groups throughout the world, people who have lots of fun with social interactivity. No partner required, and kilts are optional! First session is free. |
Hiking in and Around Vancouver
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The option of getting out into the woods and mountains is one of the most amazing things about living in Vancouver. Where can you go? What's accessible by transit? What should you take with you? Here are some links below to get you started.
Easy hikes that take you deep into nature (Georgia Straight) Best transit-friendly hikes near Vancouver (VancouverTrails.com) How can you be prepared? (the 10 essentials; North Shore Search & Rescue) Avoid getting lost (North Shore Search & Rescue) |
Free Frisbee Golf
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Gather your friends and dig out your frisbees.
Free frisbee golf locations include: - Jericho Hill (4196 West 4th avenue (across from Jericho on the South side of West 4th) - QE Park (5150 Ontario St, Vancouver, BC) - Quilchena Park (33rd and Arbutus) - Grouse Mountain |
Sports - Tenth Church Mount Pleasant
Free/ By-Donation Yoga
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When: Varying times available
Where: 45 West Hastings Cost: Free or by donation Karma Teachers™ Centre for Yoga and Meditation: Open to the Public! Offering free or by donation yoga classes to promote the act of selfless giving. Their mission is to share the benefits of yoga and enhance people’s lives while encouraging selfless action, and to build community and encourage selfless action through sharing the benefits of yoga. Check out the schedule via the button below. |
Passport to Prana
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Passport to Prana was created to help you find the style of yoga and studio that suits your individual needs. Your 1 year membership allows you to try one class at each of the participating studios in your city. Just three simple steps give you access to yoga across the city.
It is $30 for a year. The passport gives you one-time access to each of various yoga studios around Vancouver. |
Free Nordic Pole Classes
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OASIS (Osteoarthritis Service Integration System through Vancouver Coastal Health) – no cost
Education classes are free to the public on osteoarthritis and exercise, as well as other topics such as pain management and weight management. Free Nordic Pole walking classes (poles provided) are run monthly at local community centres. OASIS has clinics in Richmond, Vancouver, and North Vancouver. For a full list of classes please visit the Vancouver Coastal Health OASIS website. Also, if you have osteoarthritis your doctor can fill out a referral form for an appointment with an OASIS physiotherapist for exercise and management recommendations. For information go to the OASIS clinics website and click on Upcoming Education Sessions. Or call the clinics directly:
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Work for Yoga
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Can't afford regular yoga and want to make a difference in your community? Can you commit for a year? Get free classes, and help to continue to offer amazing yoga & wellness classes to the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood.
The programme will work for you if you can spare 3 hours per week every week and can make a long-term commitment. To join the team you must demonstrate a friendly & enthusiastic approach and be 100% reliable to your weekly shift (occasional evenings off are allowed if enough notice is provided). |
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Pay-What-You-Can Yoga
Yoga is open to all members on a drop-in basis at Gordon Neighbourhood House. Please bring your own mat.
When: Tuesdays 6:30pm – 8pm
Cost: Pay what you can plus once-per-year Gordon Neighbourhood House membership ($5)
For more information please contact welcome@gordonhouse.org or even better, phone: 604-683-2554
When: Tuesdays 6:30pm – 8pm
Cost: Pay what you can plus once-per-year Gordon Neighbourhood House membership ($5)
For more information please contact welcome@gordonhouse.org or even better, phone: 604-683-2554
