Ryerson Moves: Active Well-Being During COVID-19
Update - Sep-11-2020: The information in this announcement is no longer current. Please refer to our MOVE Everywhere hub for the latest information and program schedules.
Now more than ever...
Now, more than ever, we need the physical and mental health benefits of moving our bodies. And as long as you're moving, it doesn't matter how. Put your body in motion, feel your heart beat faster, and you can't help but be healthier and feel better.
Improved immune function and elevated mood are just some of the benefits of regular physical activity. Add improved sleep and digestion, increased energy and self-confidence, and moving your body can be a powerful coping strategy during this difficult time.
And, of course, for all of us studying and working, getting active is a clear path to a clear mind - whether a 5 minute walk, a set of push-ups and squats or a 30 minute dance cardio class, moving your body improves cognition, focus and stamina.
Getting active, safely
So... how do you move in the context of social isolation and distancing? First and foremost, continue to look to your regional Public Health office (external link) for updates. But then... MOVE!
And if you're looking for inspiration, below are some great Ryerson-led options as well as others from around the world we've gathered for you. All are free!
Important! When working out at home, remember:
- Everyone has different abilities and spaces - be sure to adapt exercises to your body and space, take breaks when you need them, and factor in any injuries or pre-existing conditions you may have
- There are inherent risks involved in any type of physical activity, including the possibility of personal injury and death; risks include but are not limited to: overexertion, mis-use of equipment, collision with objects, trips, slips or falls
Community Connections
RU Student Life wants to hear and share your story during this strange time. How are you staying active and connected with others while away from Ryerson? Reflect and share at (Dis)Connection Stories.
Moving your body in nature brings even more health and well-being benefits. A common question right now: Is it safe to exercise outside? Again, you'll need to keep up with your local Public Health office (external link) for the latest, but Runner's World Magazine shared a great summary of the considerations (external link) - and, in short, yes, absolutely!
Walk, run, roll, hike or bike: Find a trail near you! Search "<wherever you live> +trails" for some great options you might not normally look to, or just hit the pavement around your neighbourhood. Here's a kickstart for those of you in and around the GTA:
Important: Trail Closures
Some regional trails and green spaces have been closed. Be sure to check online before you head out and respect all closure information and signage.
A selection of group strength and cardio classes will be offered online until the RAC and MAC re-open.
- What to expect: Whether it’s your first time or you are a regular, everyone is welcome to join us! Find class descriptions on our regular Group Fitness schedule page.
- How to connect: Find us on Instagram at @RURecreation (external link) for Instagram Live feeds, broadcast as per schedule below. Recordings will also be made available on IGTV post-class.
- More coming soon! We aim to bring more of our regular RU instructors online to you shortly - check back here or on our social media channels @RURecreation (IG (external link) | FB (external link) | Twitter (external link) ) for updates.
| Class & Instructor | Day | Time |
| bodyART with Ildiko on Ildiko's Channel (external link) | Mondays | 6:00pm-6:45pm |
| Pilates with Sharon on @RURecreation (external link) | Mondays | 5:00pm-5:50pm |
| Vinyasa Yoga with Sarah on @RURecreation (external link) | Tuesdays | 9:00am-10:00am |
| Hatha Yoga with Katie on @RURecreation (external link) | Tuesdays | 12:10pm-1:00pm |
| Groove with Ildiko on Ildiko's Channel (external link) | Tuesdays | 6:00pm-6:45pm |
| bodyART with Ildiko on Ildiko's Channel (external link) | Wednesdays | 6:00pm-6:45pm |
| Stretch & Flex with Sharon on @RURecreation (external link) | Wednesdays | 6:00pm-6:50pm |
| Hatha Yoga with Katie on @RURecreation (external link) | Thursdays | 12:10pm-1:00pm |
| TMC with Alex on @RURecreation (external link) | Thursdays | 5:00pm-5:50pm |
| Groove with Ildiko on Ildiko's Channel (external link) | Thursdays | 6:00pm-6:45pm |
| bodyART with Ildiko on Ildiko's Channel (external link) | Thursdays | 7:00pm-7:45pm |
| Vinyasa Yoga with Sarah on @RURecreation (external link) | Fridays | 4:00pm-4:50pm |
| HIIT with Grace on @RURecreation (external link) | Saturdays | 10:45am-11:30am |
| Vinyasa Yoga with Maria on @RURecreation (external link) | Sundays | 10:00am-10:45am |
| More classes coming soon!! Check back soon... |
Important! When working out at home, remember:
Everyone has different abilities and spaces - be sure to adapt exercises to your body and space, take breaks when you need them, and factor in any injuries or pre-existing conditions you may have.
There are inherent risks involved in any type of physical activity, including the possibility of personal injury and death; risks include but are not limited to: overexertion, mis-use of equipment, collision with objects, trips, slips or falls.
Looking for more familiar faces and classes? See offerings below shared by our instructors on our social media channels @RURecreation (IG (external link) | FB (external link) | Twitter (external link) ) or their own.
GROOVE & bodyART with Ildiko
- Groove March 21 2020 (external link)
- bodyART March 21 2020 (external link)
- GROOVE March 19, 2020 (external link)
- bodyART March 19, 2020 (external link)
- Groove & bodyART March 17, 2020 (external link)
IGTV Live Class Recordings
If you loved one of our Instagram Live classes, check back here and on IGTV for recordings post-class and have another go whenever you feel the need to move!
Important! When working out at home, remember:
Everyone has different abilities and spaces - be sure to adapt exercises to your body and space, take breaks when you need them, and factor in any injuries or pre-existing conditions you may have.
There are inherent risks involved in any type of physical activity, including the possibility of personal injury and death; risks include but are not limited to: overexertion, mis-use of equipment, collision with objects, trips, slips or falls.
Ryerson-based resources from our colleagues, Dr. Diana Brecher and Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer:
- (PDF file) ThriveRU: 5 Tips to Care for Yourself & Others During COVID-19
- ThriveRU website: Whether exploring the site or hopping right into one of the many workbooks, tip sheets or resources, ThriveRU provides training and resources to Ryerson students, faculty and staff in order to teach the skills associated with resilience, well-being and thriving in both an academic and personal context
- Thriving in Action Online (Ryerson login required) - build motivation, optimism, and resilience, along with learning strategy essentials like time management and effective studying
Mindfulness & Yoga to Help Manage Stress & Anxiety
- Yoga for Stress & Anxiety (external link)
- How Mindfulness Can Help You Navigate the Coronavirus (external link)
- A Simple Breathing Practice to Keep Panic at Bay (external link)
- A Loving-Kindness Meditation to Cultivate Resilience (external link)
YouTube Channel Workouts
- The Fitness Marshall (external link) - dance cardio classes with a welcoming, fun vibe
- Variety Ontario YouTube (external link) - an ever-growing range of accessibility-minded fitness videos
- Popsugar (external link) - a range of strength, cardio, dance and yoga classes with a more serious, intense feel
- Fitness Blender (external link) - access videos on their YouTube channel or get their app to search over 500 free workouts by length, difficulty, training type, muscles used, calorie burn and more
Activity & Workout Apps
- Down Dog App (external link) - a range of yoga and fitness classes, free until April 1
- Peloton App (external link) (not just spinning!) - live and pre-recorded classes for strength, spin and treadmill users, free 90 day
Important! When working out at home, remember:
Everyone has different abilities and spaces - be sure to adapt exercises to your body and space, take breaks when you need them, and factor in any injuries or pre-existing conditions you may have.
There are inherent risks involved in any type of physical activity, including the possibility of personal injury and death; risks include but are not limited to: overexertion, mis-use of equipment, collision with objects, trips, slips or falls.
The Fitness Marshall (external link) aka Caleb Marshall pairs the latest pop hits with funky dance-cardio choreography and a welcoming, fun vibe.
This can't-help-but-move-your-body video is just one of hundreds available...
CHAIRFIT with Eric Saava of Toronto's Variety Village offers an awesome and accessible movement option.
Be sure to check Variety Ontario's full YouTube channel (external link) for an ever-growing range of accessibility-minded videos.
Yoga for Stress & Anxiety - in this video Adriene guides you through breath and body practices that serve you when you feel bad. Learn breathing techniques and spinal work that will assist you in moments of stress.