The joy of movement, the bliss of life!
National Sport and Physical Activity Day, celebrated every May 2nd, reminds us how daily movement maintains both physical health and mental sharpness. At Le Groupe Maurice, we champion all forms of activity – especially the simple joy of staying active.
Physical activity, nature’s best medicine
Exercise does so much more than shape bodies or enhance performance, it makes us feel vibrantly alive. Staying active supports heart health, eases stress, promotes better sleep, uplifts mood, builds strength, fortifies immunity and enriches both confidence and social bonds. Now that’s powerful medicine!
For people with osteoarthritis, for example, moderate exercise helps maintain joint mobility and – believe it! – even reduces pain. In fact, health professionals increasingly view movement as natural therapy for both body and mind.
“Growing older doesn’t have to mean growing weaker. Our bodies are made to move. Movement is medicine.” – Dr. Vonda Wright, American orthopedic surgeon
Discover what moves you
The goal isn’t to force ourselves into a rigid routine, but rather to choose activities that bring us joy – free from pressure or stress. Luckily, countless simple, everyday movements can help us rediscover the pleasure of being active, often without even thinking about it. Here are just a few ideas…
Walking
According to Quebec physiotherapist Denis Fortier, walking is one of the most beneficial activities for your health. (We invite you to read his blog here.) Municipal, regional and national parks are perfect places to loosen up and strengthen your leg muscles.
Incidentally, many of our residences are located near vast green spaces. To combine fitness with friendship, some residents even join a Le Groupe Maurice walking club – a perfect way to mix purpose with pleasure! One thing’s certain: outdoor excursions don’t just keep you active; they let you soak up nature, a crucial element for physical and mental well-being.
“Outdoor movement energizes. The scent of flowers, sunlight, birdsong… It awakens the senses and invigorates!” – Charissa Losloso, kinesiologist.
Walking can also become meditative. By tuning into your breath, body and surroundings, it transforms into mindfulness in motion. This practice – championed by American medical professor Jon Kabat-Zinn – anchors us in the present moment, reconnecting us with ourselves while rediscovering the joy of moving at our own pace.
Swimming
Water activities are great because they work the whole body without straining the joints. With pools in every Groupe Maurice residence, people can keep moving all year long.
According to John Conway, Leisure Activities Manager, the most popular activity among residents is aqua fitness. “Water works wonders on the human body, and it’s a friendly time when people come together to move, chat and laugh,” he said in this interview.
Pickleball
Pickleball, a mix of tennis and ping-pong, is gaining new fans every day. This racquet sport has also grown in popularity among residents of Le Groupe Maurice, as shown in a video shared on our Facebook page.
Pickleball isn’t just great for balance, it also sharpens coordination and reflexes, which are super important for driving and staying independent. Sounds like a pretty good reason to give it a shot!
Games of skill
Pétanque, billiards and shuffleboard are great ways to stay active while spending time with others. They require focus and precision, stimulating both body and mind without putting too much strain on the joints.
The same goes for bowling, an activity many see as both accessible and intergenerational. And it’s no surprise, since bowling can be adapted to all fitness levels.
Golfing
Did you know that golfers actually live longer? That’s what the Centre for Physical Activity and Health Research at the University of Edinburgh discovered after reviewing 5,000 studies on the sport. It’s a great reason to continue practicing, no matter the season.
The golf simulators in most residences let us work on our swing all year long, regardless of the whims of Mother Nature. This technology helps with balance, coordination, the joy of movement, and, above all, the joy of playing!
Gardening
Gardening offers a complete physical workout, activating various muscle groups and encouraging both balance and fine motor skills. In several of our complexes, residents have access to gardening areas and planter boxes so they can take part in a meaningful project while beautifying their living environment year after year.“Gardening has positive effects on mental health. In addition to helping people live in the moment, it can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as improve focus. Of course, this activity brings a very real sense of satisfaction when it’s time to harvest the fruits of our labour.” – Jessica Abouzeid, Nutritionist
Listening to our bodies, the key to lifelong fitness
What matters most is moving at a pace that suits us, based on what we can do. That’s the secret to staying active in a way that feels good and lasts over time. It’s really all about consistency over intensity – and most of all, finding joy in what we do.
As we mark National Sport and Physical Activity Day, let’s remind ourselves that being active should never feel like a burden or something to feel guilty about. Every bit of movement matters. Every effort counts. It’s as straightforward as that.
How about trying something new or reawakening the joy of movement? Your body and soul will surely thank you!