Physical Health 

Vancouver Self Defense

A group of  dedicated VPD female officers have been increasing women’s safety and giving back to the community, as part of the VPD Women’s Personal Safety Team since 2013. Their goal is to educate, inspire, and empower women to take ownership of their personal safety.
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Their workshops teach tactics designed to be easily learned and remembered by women with no prior training in case they are ever faced with a situation of unavoidable violence.


Registration for 2025:
Wednesday, January 8
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Renfrew Park Community Centre

Wednesday, April 2
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Douglas Park Community Centre

Thursday, April 10
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Strathcona Community Centre

Tuesday, June 24
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Hillcrest Community Centre

Monday evening Yoga at Kits Beach

Gazing out across the ocean, into downtown, and the mountains beyond, you won't find another class in Vancouver as magical as this one.
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While every instructor brings their own unique teaching style, Mat Collective strives to keep yoga accessible to everyone. Classes begin with a grounding warm up before exploring flows and holds, building up to a peak pose, and winding down to a meditative conclusion.

Instructions

Please bring your own mat and reusable water bottle, and as always, take only photos (and deep breaths!), and leave only footprints!
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Modo Yoga

Karma Classes:
  • Each week, all Modo Yoga studios offer donation-based classes to raise funds for local and international not-for-profit organizations
  • Through our Karma Classes, they reach out, give back, and help support positive change
  • They primarily support environmental charities to help support our ever changing world
  • Karma Classes also align with our Be Accessible Pillar by offering yoga classes at a reduced price

Energy Exchangers Program:
  • In exchange for working one 4 hour shift a week at the studio, EE’s receive unlimited yoga and lots of other perks
  • Three month commitment required
  • Applicants must have practiced at the studio before
  • For more info, please
    Email: [email protected]

Free Acroyoga Class

AcroWest is offering a free introductory Acroyoga class to everyone, regardless of experience or ability. They offer a fun and welcoming environment that is free from pressure or expectations.

Details:
  • All levels and physical abilities are welcome
  • You will work in groups of 3-4, but are not required to bring a partner
  • Equipment is not required, but if you have a yoga mat please bring it to the Downtown location 
  • Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in

Dates: Beginner classes vary day-to-day
Locations:
  • Downtown - 677 Davie St., Vancouver
  • Mount Pleasant - 341 East Broadway, Vancouver
Cost: Free first class

Rollas Helping Rollas Bursary

Want to learn how to roller skate? Rollas Helping Rollas is an amazing program run where our generous members support each other to provide access to skating and community. It is run by the Rolla Skate Club Vancouver. The RHR Fund will support students by paying for a portion of their membership fees on a financial need basis.

Details:
  • Group instruction from the Rolla community
  • Roller skates, knee pads, and wrist guards are provided
  • Please bring your own helmet (ex. a bike helmet)
  • New members can apply for assistance here!
  • All requests that meet program criteria are honoured, while resources are available
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For more information,
Email: [email protected] 

Project 529 Bike Registration Friday Drop-In's

Bike Theft in Vancouver: An Alarming Trend
  • Almost 2,000 bikes are reported stolen annually
  • Only a small number is returned to owners
The Main Reason for Few Returns
  • Owners don't document and share bike details and serial number
Defend Your Bike from Theft
  • Register your bike for free with 529 Garage registry
  • Obtain a 529 Garage sticker to deter thieves
  • Secure your bicycle correctly

Drop-In Dance Classes

!SNAP Canada and Luminesque Dance offer a free monthly dance class for the gender and sexually diverse community. The classes teach the heels dance style. Classes are designed to be fun, informative, and inclusive! 

Pre-registration is required!

Location: 1026 Davie street, Suite 400, Buzz 200
Date and time: Wednesdays 6 pm - 7 pm

Spring 2024 is over, 
Please check back for Summer 2024 Schedule 

Chair Yoga: Move, Groove, and Improve

Move, Groove, and Improve is a program focused on active aging and well-being. Participants will engage in physical activities, such as chair yoga. Instruction is in Punjabi and English. 
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Details:
  • Designed for individuals 50+
  • All seniors are welcome, regardless of experience or fitness level

Pre-registration is required: Call South Vancouver Neighbourhood House

Phone: 604-324-6212. ext. 158.
Cost: Free
Dates and Times: Mon and Wed, 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Location: Moberly Arts and Cultural Centre, 7646 Prince Albert Street

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

Phone: 604-875-4111​

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.

Join us on Ride Day to celebrate mental health and ensure #NoOneRidesAlone.

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.
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Toll Free: 1-866-902-3767   
 Email: [email protected]

​Registered Massage Therapy at Langara College

Services Provided:
  • Langara College offers affordable and high-quality massage therapy from supervised students in a learning environment
  • Appointments include a health history, assessment of the treated area, hands on treatment, and home care suggestions
  • Student Clinic open to members of the public
Location of Student Clinic:
  • Located at the West Broadway campus
Cost:
  • $40 for the general public
  • $25 for seniors, Langara staff, and students with a valid Langara student ID
  • Only accepts debit and Visa/MasterCard
To book an appointment:

 Reduced-Cost Massage Therapy at The Mend

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 #300B – 1050 West Pender Street
  • Students are not yet licensed

Feel Good Friday - Fraser Street Run Club

Looking for a welcoming group to run with and/or a friendly introduction to running? The Fraser Street Run Club hosts a weekly social fun run intended to get people outside and moving.

Details:
  • 5k and 10k routes available, preview routes here
  • All levels are welcome
  • Rain or shine
  • Free and no registration required

Dates: Fridays at 7 pm
Location: Starts at FSRC Club House
​1008 East 20th Ave
Email: [email protected]

Arthritis and Exercise

Do you suffer from arthritis pain? VPL branches offer informative sessions that discuss the benefits of exercise on arthritic pain, the types of exercises you can do to support your joints, and signs that you might be doing too much.

Presented in Partnership with the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority's Osteoarthritis Service Integration System.
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This workshop will be taught by a Registered Physiotherapist.

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.

Resources include:
  • How to prepare and what to expect when quitting
  • Surviving quit day
  • Services from trained professionals 
  • Tracking your progress and setting goals
  • Peer supports from other community members
  • Information on vaping

Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-877-455-2233

Walking Club: Vancouver Branch of the International Volkssport Club
The Vancouver "Venturers" Volkssport Club:
  • Offers year-round walks around Vancouver
  • Combines fitness, sightseeing, and social experiences for people of all ages
When:
  • Tuesdays, Thursdays, and weekends
  • Departure time is usually 10am or 10:30am, with check-in beginning half an hour before​
Cost:
  • Your first 5 Venturer club walks are free
  • Thereafter:
    • Permanent Trail walks: $1
    • Map Walks: $2
  • $15 annual membership is not required, but is encouraged to support the club
Details about the walks:
  • 5km and 10km route options
  • Include parks, forests, urban streets and trails, and lake and ocean views
  • Friendly and inclusive community that welcomes new members

​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.

Phone: 778-655-1800

Free Online No Equipment Fitness Classes and Apps

The Nike Training Club App:
  • The App offers a wide variety of different fitness classes, including yoga, cardio, and strength training
  • Other resources to improve your home workout
  • More information

FitnessBlender YouTube videos:
  • The channel features over 600 workouts that can be searched by length, difficulty, training type, calories burned and muscle group
  • ​Videos suitable for all fitness levels
  • Variety of short and longer workouts
  • Access the FitnessBlender page

Do Yoga With Me YouTube Videos:
  • Free on-demand yoga classes, meditations, and more
  • 1000+ videos available, with videos for all ages and fitness levels
  • Fosters a supportive community 
  • Additional resources available with paid subscription
  • Check out their videos!

Gym Possible - YouTube Videos for Wheelchair Users:
Kakana YouTube Videos:
  • Live accessible and adaptive classes that offer inclusive, motivating handcycle and total body workouts
  • Fit your schedule, your goals, and your mood​
  • Different workout types for various fitness levels
  • Many no-equipment classes
  • Kakana YouTube Channel

YMCA - On Demand Fitness:
  • Workouts for every fitness level and age
  • Classes include cardio, gentle fitness, yoga, and more
  • Live virtual fitness classes available
  • Workout and meal plans
  • Wellness programs
  • Fitness for the whole family

Body Project Youtube Videos:
  • Low-impact and realistic workouts for beginners
  • Fitness plans focused on motivation and having fun

Planet Fitness YouTube Videos:
  • Planet Fitness offers free fitness videos that include instruction on proper equipment use
  • Equipment free videos are also available
  • Find videos here!

Caliber App:
  • The App boasts effective workouts, video instructions, weekly lessons, nutrition assistance, and more
  • 100% free to download

Hybrid Calisthenics Youtube Videos:
  • Beginner and more advanced workouts
  • Videos on joint pain and other concerns
  • Wellness plans

Arthritis Adventure Videos:
  • Low-impact exercise for arthritis pain
  • Workouts with no equipment required
  • Features a physical therapist and osteoarthritis specialist

Apps with free trials:

​Scottish Country Dancing 

*Currently on hold*
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Where:  West End Community Centre
​870 Denman Street, Vancouver
Cost: First night is free, followed by $6.50 drop-in
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Scottish Country Dance:
  • A form of aerobic exercise that is both physical and mentally challenging
  • Similar to square dancing, but without the foot stomping
  • First session is free and no partner is required
  • Kilts are optional 
  • Great way to socialize and have some fun
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Email: [email protected]
Phone: 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.

Best transit-friendly hikes near Vancouver (VancouverTrails.com)

How can you be prepared? (the 10 essentials; North Shore Search & Rescue)
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Avoid getting lost (North Shore Search & Rescue)

Free Frisbee Golf

Gather your friends and dig out your frisbees. Disc golf is played much like golf, but instead of a ball and clubs, players use a Frisbee. 

Free frisbee golf locations include: Local Events:

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
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​For information go to the OASIS clinics website and click on Upcoming Education Sessions.
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Or call the clinics directly:
Vancouver: 604-875-4544

Work for Yoga

Mount Pleasant neighbourhood yoga program offers free yoga classes for individuals who cannot afford regular yoga fees, and aims to continue offering yoga and wellness classes to the entire community. 
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  • The program requires participants to commit to a year-long program, be reliable, and complete 2.5 hours each week
  • Participants must demonstrate a friendly, enthusiastic attitude
  • Occasional evenings off are allowed with sufficient notice
  • Positions include: set-up/tidying, front desk roles, yoga mat cleaners, and window cleaning

Benefits:
  • Unlimited drop-in yoga and pop-up classes
  • Shop discounts
  • Workshops

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.
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When: Mondays 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Cost: Pay what you can plus once-per-year Gordon Neighbourhood House membership ($5)

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-683-2554

 Lower-Cost Dental Care

Looking for lower-cost dental services in Vancouver and the Greater Vancouver Area?