Physical Health 

Project 529 Bike Registration Friday Drop-In's

Every year, almost 2,000 bicycles are reported stolen in Vancouver, but only a small number are ever returned to their rightful owners.

WHY SO FEW? mainly because a lot of owners don't document and share the description and serial number of their bikes.

Defend against the rising bike theft trend by:

It simply takes five minutes to register your bike for free with the 529 Garage bike registry.
Obtaining a 529 Garage sticker to deter thieves
Correctly securing your bicycle

Free Online No Equipment Fitness classes

Here is a long list of options that'll give you a really good workout at home

Choose To Move 

Choose To Move program:
  • Helps you introduce the habit of physical activity into your daily life in a personalized way
Features of the program:
  • Work with a trained activity coach who helps you develop a plan made just for you
  • Support of your coach and a group of other seniors when things get tough
Approach of the program:
  • Based on science
It is to be noted that the program is free to use

Tel: 604-875-4111​

​Passport to Prana

Passport to Prana:
  • Designed to help find the perfect style of yoga and studio to suit individual needs
  • One year membership allows trying one class at each participating studio in the city
  • Three simple steps to access yoga across the city
  • $30 for a year, offers one-time access to various yoga studios around Vancouver

Ride Don't Hide - Cycling for Mental Health Awareness

​Ride Don't Hide is an annual charity event organized by the Canadian Mental Health Association to raise awareness for, and ultimately defeat, the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Indoor Roller Skating

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+.  

​$16 includes roller skate rental.

Self-Management BC 
Free Programs for adults:
  • Improve health and quality of life for adults living with one or more ongoing health conditions
Programs partnership:
  • Offered in partnership with The University of Victoria and the Province of BC
Availability of programs:
  • Offered virtually, online, by telephone, or by mail
  • For adults living in BC.
​
Toll Free: 1-866-902-3767     Email: selfmgmt@uvic.ca

Free/ By-Donation Yoga 

When:  Varying times available
Where:  45 West Hastings
Cost:      Free or by donation

Karma Teachers™ Centre for Yoga and Meditation:
  • Offers yoga classes to the public at no cost or by donation
  • Mission is to share the benefits of yoga and enhance people's lives
  • Encourages selfless action through building community
  • Classes are open to anyone and can be accessed through their schedule

 Lower-Cost Dental Care

​Registered Massage Therapy at Langara College

The CS Diploma in Registered Massage Therapy program:
  • Offers affordable and high-quality massage therapy
  • Student Clinic open to members of the public
Location of Student Clinic:
  • Located at the West Broadway campus
Services provided at Student Clinic:
  • Assessment and treatment
  • Supervised students in a learning setting

Tel: 604.872.2471

 Reduced-Cost Massage Therapy at Vancouver College of Massage Therapy

The Vancouver College of Massage Therapy offers affordable massage treatment through their student clinics.
  • Prices range from $25-$50
  • Appointments are approximately 90 minutes and include assessment, treatment planning, consultation with a supervising therapist, and reassessment
  • Advanced students are available for individuals who are pregnant or have orthopedic/neurological concerns
  • Receipts can be used for tax purposes as a health/medical expense
  • Located near Burrard and Pender streets at #300 – 1050 West Pender Street
  • Students are not yet licensed

Sliding Scale Acupuncture

Pricing at Poke Community Acupuncture ranges from $25-$45 per treatment, with an additional $10 admin fee for the first visit only. This pay-what-you-can model allows clients to affordably access acupuncture.
The clinic is located on Kingsway, near Knight Street.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the clinic has implemented a new payment process. Instead of using a self-serve machine, clients are asked to store their credit card on file to facilitate treatment payment. An online process is available to easily set this up.

Ready to Quit Smoking?  Ready for Some Help?

QuitNow is a free program for British Columbians looking to quit or reduce tobacco and e-cigarette use.
Tel:  1-877-455-2233

Walking Club: Vancouver Branch of the International Volkssport Club
The Vancouver "Venturers" Volkssport Club:
  • Offers year-round walks in the Vancouver region
  • Combines fitness, sightseeing, and social experiences for people of all ages.
When:
  • Thursdays and weekends
  • 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:
  • Your first 5 Venturer club walks are free
  • Thereafter:
    • Permanent Trail walks are $1
    • Map Walks are $2
  • Membership is not required, but is encouraged
    • $15 per individual member per year
    • Supports the operational costs of the club
Details about the walks:
  • 5km and 10km route options
  • Include parks, forests, urban streets and trails, and lake and ocean views
  • Seven clubs in British Columbia
  • Check out the Vancouver Calendar to find a Venturer's walk that works for you
  • Friendly and inclusive community
  • Looks forward to meeting you
  • There are also Volkssport walking clubs exist across Canada, the United States, and in over 50 countries worldwide.

​Vancity Community Pass - Cycling that’s More Affordable!
The Vancity Community Pass:
  • Program that makes bike sharing more affordable and accessible in the City of Vancouver
  • Offered in partnership with Vancity, the City of Vancouver, and Mobi by Shaw Go
Eligibility criteria for the pass:
  • Individuals must have a Leisure Access Pass
  • Individuals must have a Red Compass Card
  • Individuals can also be referred by a partner organization
Accessibility features of the pass:
  • No credit card is required
  • Cash payment options available
  • Intended to make biking more accessible to a wider range of people in the community
Assistance available:
  • If you are interested in the Vancity Community Pass and need support or a third-party referral, you can contact a coach for assistance.

Tel: 778-655-1800

YMCA Workout Videos

A wonderful variety of workout videos for every age and fitness level.

​Scottish Country Dancing [On Hold During Covid-19]

When:   Tuesdays, 7:30 - 9:30pm
Where:  West End Community Centre
​              870 Denman Street
Cost:     $ 6.50 drop-in
​
Scottish Country Dance:
  • A form of aerobic exercise that is both physical and mentally challenging
  • Similar to square dancing, but without the foot stomping
  • Offered by groups throughout the world
First session:
  • Free and no partner is required
Attire:
  • Kilts are optional
Benefits of Scottish Country Dance:
  • Social interaction and fun

Tel: 604.929.2944

Hiking in and Around Vancouver

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

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

Free Nordic Pole Classes

OASIS (Osteoarthritis Service Integration System through Vancouver Coastal Health)
  • Offers free education classes to the public on various topics such as osteoarthritis, exercise, pain management, and weight management
  • Classes are held at various locations in Richmond, Vancouver, and North Vancouver
  • Offers free Nordic Pole walking classes monthly at local community centers, with poles provided
  • Physiotherapist appointments for exercise and management recommendations for individuals with osteoarthritis referred by doctors
  • All services are offered at no cost


​For information go to the OASIS clinics website and click on Upcoming Education Sessions.
​
Or call the clinics directly:

Work for Yoga

Mount Pleasant neighbourhood yoga program:
  • Offers free yoga classes for individuals who cannot afford regular yoga
  • Program requires participants to commit to a year-long program
  • In return, participants must volunteer 3 hours per week every week
  • Participants must demonstrate a friendly, enthusiastic attitude
  • Occasional evenings off are allowed with sufficient notice
  • Aims to continue offering yoga and wellness classes to the community

Pay-What-You-Can Yoga

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

Pay-What-You-Can Yoga Downtown 

When: Check schedule via Facebook link at button below
Where: 1068 Hornby Street
Cost:   By donation; $5 - $20

Rooftop Yoga is a donation based studio located in the heart of downtown Vancouver. 

You can reserve your spot by texting Lila @ 778 987 7674

Free Fitness at Home