Winter is technically over, and many are already planning to get fit in time for the summer. Instead of the conventional gym route, we took a look at some non-traditional ways to work out in the city.
SKYWALK
Do you want to experience Toronto 356 metres above the ground? Though it is no longer the world’s tallest free-standing structure, the CN Tower does, however, bear the honour of hosting the world’s highest full circle hands-free walk.
The skywalk takes an hour and a half, although the outdoor component only lasts about 30 minutes. Priced at $195, patrons also receive a keepsake video, a certificate of achievement, and photos.
HANLAN’S POINT
Hanlan’s Point is a hot spot for activity during the summer. One of Canada’s two official clothing-optional beaches, the popular beach shares an island with the Billy Bishop Airport.
The island is a great spot for kiteboarding. The beach season starts in May and ends in September, though actual swimming is only advisable well into the season.
TOUGH MUDDER
Recent years have seen a transformation of the racing community. Races no longer involve running alone; they can incorporate colour, music, and adventure.
Tough Mudder, a team oriented 18–20-kilometre obstacle course, comes to Toronto again this year on August 15 and 16. Eric Schwenger, a third-year student at University College, completed the race in 2013 and describes it as “terrifyingly exhilarating [and] unlike anything else I’ve ever done… It established a sense of camaraderie between my teammates through the shared experience that I won’t soon forget.”
PRISON BREAK RUN
Tough Mudder isn’t the only obstacle course coming to Toronto, however. In the Prison Break Run, the concept is that “you have been convicted of a crime you did not commit.”
In a manner reminiscent of flag football, you’re given three flags and placed in a 5- or 7.5-kilometre long obstacle course with the goal of making it out without being caught by the guards stationed between the obstacles. It’s not quite Jay-Z and Beyoncé drama, but I guess we’ll have to settle.
O COURSE
These endurance runs will probably necessitate some training in advance. Ivan Ho and Tony Austin, a former U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor, aim to address this issue with their “O Course.” The two run a gym at Yonge and Wellesley and base the training on military-style boot camp.
The O Course costs $35 for a two-hour session if you preregister and will next be held April 25 at the Monarch Park Stadium. Auditing the course à la Kristin Wiig and Maya Rudolph in Bridesmaids is not recommended.
When you’re done challenging yourself, the best part is that your bed will always be there to catch you when you fall, fatigued, into its loving embrace.
