Articles proclaiming the benefits of exercise and the importance of work-life balance are not new. An article published in the Harvard Business Review stated that exercise reduces stress and helps increase the self-perception that one is capable of taking things on and getting them done–self-efficacy (Clayton, 2014). Both decreasing stress and increasing self-efficacy will make the MBA journey more enjoyable.
Although the research is out, when life gets busy, regular exercise is often the first thing to be removed from a student’s schedule. Not to mention the cost of a gym pass exceeds the budget for many.
Vancouver offers many opportunities to exercise inexpensively. The city in the summer is beautiful, making it very conducive to students achieving school-life balance. The forest is green, the sun is out, the beach is hot and the days are long.
Here are some suggestions for how to get outside, exercise and reduce stress, all while maximizing your summer in Vancouver
- BBQ and games on the beach
Although there are many beaches perfect for BBQ-ing, I would recommend trying Kits Beach in Kitsilano. There are multiple courts available to the public which are perfect for beach volleyball, basketball, and tennis. Kits is the perfect place to spend a social afternoon while taking a break from the books! For more information on Kits beach, visit: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/kitsilano-beach.aspx
- Cycle, run or walk the Seawall
The Seawall is easily accessible from the SFU Beedie building and is great for walking, biking, or cycling. The entire Seaside Greenway is 28 km for the more ambitious. Recreational users can enjoy the seawall for an hour or two when the opportunity presents, even for a 30-minute stroll during lunch. One can easily do a 10k run directly from the Beedie Building, by running to Brockton Point Lighthouse and back. For more information on the Seawall and Stanley Park, visit: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/seawall.aspx
- Urban Rec Baseball League
Students from the 2017 cohort formed a team and joined the Urban Rec Baseball League. The team plays every Sunday. Players get outside, get exercise and have fun socializing outside of school. For more information on Urban Rec, visit: https://vancouver.urbanrec.ca/leagues/softball
- Hike the local mountains
Explore the local mountains! The Grouse Grind in North Vancouver, Quarry Rock in Deep Cove, and the Chief in Squamish are popular destinations and easily accessible, half day hikes that will take you to amazing views! Both the Grouse Grind and Quarry Rock can be accessed using public transportation. For more information on the aforementioned hiking destinations, visit the links below.
Grouse Grind: https://www.grousemountain.com/grousegrind
Quarry Rock: https://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/quarry-rock/
The Chief: http://www.exploresquamish.com/trails-routes/stawamus-chief
Conveniently the SFU Beedie building and the student residence building are located in the heart of the city close to green space, the Seawall, and a selection of beaches. Take advantage!
Reference:
- Clayton (2014). How Regular Exercise Helps You Balance Work and Family. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved March 25, 2017, from https://hbr.org/2014/01/how-regular-exercise-helps-you-balance-work-and-family.
Melissa is currently completing her MBA at the Beedie School of Business. Prior to pursuing an MBA, Melissa completed an undergraduate degree in Tourism Management from Thompson Rivers University. She has worked in various leadership positions in the Tourism Industry and also has experience in Local Government. When not studying, Melissa can be found exploring the great outdoors and enjoying her home community of Squamish. Find out more about Melissa through LinkedIn or contact her via e-mail at mvonbloe@sfu.ca.