Preparing Yourself for a Summer of Fun

Alain Lévesque | Wellness Committee Member

March is a season of change in Alberta. Snowbirds (both human and avian) are beginning their migrations back north, and we are eager to see them both.

Some of us are already planning our summer gardens or even starting our indoor seedlings, full of hope for a great harvest and the fragrant smells of fresh flowers that will greet us in time. Soon, it will be time to fire up the barbecue for those beautiful evenings where we can sit on our deck and enjoy the sunset surrounded by family and friends.

But for me, the first thing that comes to mind are the outdoor activities that will finally become possible again as the seasons change. The indoor activities I used to keep active during the long months of relative hibernation will soon be replaced by my favourite outdoor activities. Even though we’re not in the season of polo shirts, sandals, and shorts yet, I still find myself eager to be outside, bundling up for a brisk walk while dreaming of the warmer days to come.

For many retirees, summer is the season of golf. Personally, I've tried golfing three times and ended up spending more on balls than rentals — it's just not for me. I prefer long walks exploring trails, going camping in a tent, or going for long bike rides. But whether you like golf, hiking, or any other summer activity, the most important part is being prepared for the season ahead.

Ease Into the Season

When thinking about preparedness, we all think about the equipment checks first and foremost. This is the time of year where I ensure I have proper hiking shoes that are a good match for the types of trails I plan to visit. I make sure my camping gear is organized and in good repair. I take my bike out of storage and ensure it is properly tuned for the season ahead. But then there is another type of preparedness — ensuring your body is a good match for your ambitions.

Last spring, I discovered that my ambitions and abilities were out of balance. I had forgotten to pace myself after a long winter of lower activity. I had assumed my body was ready to go, in full swing, as soon as the weather allowed. My body, however, had another take on this.

The day after my first hike of 2025, I was barely able to walk up the stairs and had to take a few extra days to let my body rest. Then I foolishly thought I could go for a twenty-kilometre bike ride. Boy, was I wrong. After the first five kilometres, my knees started telling me I should just take the bus home and apply some ice.

What I learned from these experiences is that the body does not always listen to the mind, but the mind should always listen to the body. Before engaging in any type of summer activities, it’s important to warm up. This is true in the short term (stretching the muscles before your activity) and in the long term (starting the season with modest goals). We must start slowly to avoid injuries.

Tips to Get Started

If you are a golfer, a hiker, cyclist, a runner, a gardener, or if you’re gearing up for any other outdoor activities this summer, always remember to warm up those muscles and joints before engaging in your favorite activity. Your body will love you for it.

• Regular, basic stretching will take you a long way. If you don’t know how to get started, the internet is full of suggestions for worthwhile stretches for any ability level or activity. Just go to your favourite search engine and type “stretches for” followed by your activity of choice. You’ll get countless helpful suggestions. Typing “for seniors” also doesn’t hurt, if you’re worried about your level of mobility.

• In any case, never do anything that feels dangerous, never push yourself to the point of pain or discomfort, and it’s always a good idea to try out a new stretch with a friend or family member to ensure you’re not putting yourself in any danger.

• If your mobility or flexibility is a concern, water aerobics are a favourite solution of mine. Water aerobics are a low-impact way to improve flexibility, overall wellness, and to condition your body for bigger activities to come. When my knees are acting up, but I still want to have a workout, I go to my local swimming pool for some water exercises that are easy on the joints. It is a great was to stay active and to relieve pain for a while. Some recreation centres offer daily water aerobic classes, so you don’t have to do it alone.

Even if you aren’t gearing up for a physically active summer, what is important as we get older is to stay active as much as we can. Even just stretching out our body everyday is a great way to stay fit and enjoy our retirement for many years to come.

Alain Lévesque
Wellness Committee Member