Physical Fitness

Guidelines from: www.csep.ca

StFX Recreation Facilities/Wellness Center

Click here to view the hours for StFX’s Recreation Facilities (Welcome Desk, Wellness Centre, Indoor Walking track, Racquetball/Squash courts, Main/Aux gymnasiums).

Click here to view the Group Fitness Schedule and find information on other fitness programs.

Click here to view StFX membership options and pricing.

***NOTE: Recreation fees are included in all full-time student’s yearly student fees and should be reflected on your student account. Full time students have access to the Wellness Centre, the racquetball/squash courts, the indoor walking track, gymnasiums and the pool for no additional fee. Stop by the Welcome Desk to get started!To attend group fitness classes, a “punch pass” is required. Students can purchase 30 classes for $30 at the Welcome Desk. Part-time students should visit the business office located in MacKinnon Hall before visiting the Welcome Desk 

Varsity/Club/Society Sports

StFX offers a wide range of athletics opportunities for students including varsity, club and society sports.

Are you an athlete? Do you want to complement your University life by being part of a team for a sport you love? Check out our list of varsity sports and learn more about varsity athletics at X by clicking here!  

Want to play a sport not listed above? Check out our list of club and society sports.  StFX also offers a range of Intramural sports. Grab some friends and sign up as a fun activity to get you out of your room! Find out more here.

Local Fitness and Recreation Opportunities

Goodlife Fitness Antigonish Information

Click here to see Goodlife Fitness’ hours

Click here to view Goodlife Fitness’ Group Fitness Schedule

Antigonish Recreational Equipment Rental: 

The community of Antigonish has a variety of recreational equipment that can be rented. It is a simple process of filling out a request form, and then the staff will contact you about the status of the equipment and when it is available to be rented. Click here for more information.

Trails in Antigonish: 

There are a multitude of hiking/biking/walking trails in Antigonish which are outlined in the web link below. These trails provide a convenient and affordable form of physical activity and are a great activity to do with a group of friends or family to encourage everyone to be active. Click here for more information.

Keppoch Mountain:

The Keppoch is a year-round location for outdoor recreation.  The Keppoch offers hiking trails, mountain biking trails,  snowshoeing, cross country skiing, tobogganing, and other seasonal-based activities. Everyone can find a way to be active at the Keppoch, which makes this an amazing local resource. Click here for more information.

Highland Connect:

Highland Connect is a great resource that people can use to browse many different recreation opportunities in the Antigonish area and beyond. If people are looking for more activities apart from what is listed above, they can go to this resource to browse a variety of recreation options and see activities around the county. Click here for more information.

Actuate Crossfit: 

Antigonish’s own CrossFit gym. It is open to all levels.  Training is available. They have an intensive schedule Monday- Saturday throughout the day. Click here for more information.

Asana Yoga: 

Asana yoga is a yoga studio as well as a massage studio. They have a variety of yoga classes throughout the day each week. Click here for more information

Personal Training

If you are looking to get started in the gym but are unsure of where to begin, a personal trainer may be a good idea for you! It is normal to have goals and not be sure how to achieve them, and it is completely normal to lack motivation at times. A personal trainer will be able to provide you with education, ensure proper training techniques, help you overcome your obstacles and take you to new heights on your fitness journey.

Click here to find out more about StFX’s personal training options.  Phone: 902-867-2182

Click here to find out more about Goodlife Fitness’ personal training options.  Phone: 902-735-8348

Tips and Online Resources

Fitness Videos

Below is a list of a few free fitness websites and YouTube channels that can be used for guidance during workouts at home or in the gym.

HASfit: HASfit is a free workout website that provides hundreds of guided workout videos that can be done at home or at the gym. These videos include full body workouts as well as workouts targeted to specific muscle groups. Click here to visit the website.

Yoga with Adriene: Yoga with Adriene provides guided yoga workouts for all levels of fitness and abilities. These can be done from the comfort of your own home with step by step guidance through each video. Click here to visit the website

POPSUGAR Fitness: POPSUGAR Fitness offers free fitness tutorials and short guided workout videos that can be done at home or at the gym. These videos include full body workouts as well as workouts targeted to specific muscle groups in 40 minutes or less. Click here to visit the website.

FitnessBlender: FitnessBlender is a YouTube channel that provides full length workout videos at different levels of difficulty. It also provides advice and guidance for individuals looking to create a workout plan. Click here to visit the website.

Fitness Applications

The following fitness applications are useful tools to help you get started or to motivate you to continue exercising. They can also be useful to help change up workouts, so you never get bored. All of the apps listed are FREE through your smartphone’s app store!

Nike Training Club: this app features a variety of visual workouts across strength, endurance, yoga and mobility. It provides instruction and coaching throughout your workout. It also includes tips on training, nutrition, mindset, recovery and sleep.

Nike Run Club: this app has the tools to help you run better, outside or on the treadmill. It includes GPS run tracking, audio-guided runs, weekly/monthly custom distance challenges, and customized coaching plans for your goals.

MyFitnessPal: this app tracks diet and exercise to determine optimal caloric intake and nutrients necessary to reach your goals. It allows you to log your meals, and track your workouts.

Active tips and tricks

Below is a list of quick and general tips to help you find ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine!

  1. Build exercise into your daily schedule: 
    • Choose to walk to campus or around town instead of driving 
    • Choose the stairs (over an elevator) 
    • Make study breaks exercise breaks
      • Go for a walk  
      • Go for a light jog or a quick intense run 
      • Go to the gym
  2. Try different exercise classes
    • This is a good opportunity to make friends who are also looking for a workout buddy
  3. Join intramurals
    • ​​Fun way to get out with friends for a little healthy competition and stress reliever
  4. Volunteer for activities that include physical activity 
    • Sign up to be a buddy for individuals with different abilities through the Best Buddies program (see volunteering section of webpage for more information).  Go for walks and do fun activities that encourage both of you to move. 
  5. Find a workout partner to help keep yourself motivated and accountable