British Columbians are among the biggest losers according to the province’s minister of healthy living and sport.
Mary Polak said yesterday B.C. has the lowest self-reported obesity rate in 10 years.
“Look at our backyard,” said ex-fitness trainer Michael Flowerdew, 32.
“I think it’s easy to stay fit in Vancouver. Unless you have a pretty good reason not to be, you should be in shape.”
According to a report released in June, the 2008 Canadian Community Health Survey, the province’s self-reported adult obesity rate was at a skinny 11 per cent last year compared to almost 13 per cent in 2005.
“It’s the West Coast mentality,” said professional adventurer and Metro columnist Dave Norona.
“We like being outside more. We eat better food.”
And not only that, Vancouverites are pointing to the city’s plentiful paths and beautiful scenery as major motivators.
“We have so many wonderful places,” said Shaila Jamal, 33.
“You can go anywhere to work out.”
Allison Novad, 23, moved here from Montreal last month and already knows the Seawall well.
“Running here compared to Montreal, the air is cleaner,” she said mid-jog yesterday.
“It’s nice to smell the saltwater instead of pollution.”
For Flowerdew’s twin, Jeff, fitness is everywhere he looks.
“I was driving across the Burrard Bridge at 7 a.m. (yesterday morning) and there were literally 100 people running across the bridge,” he said.
“When you see that everyday and you’re surrounded by that, it’s addicting.”
