EDITOR’S HEALTH ADVICE

GRACE TOBY Contributing editor

GET OUTSIDE! Or, more precisely, sidestep urban sprawl for greener pastures to harness mind and body perks. Take a cue from the Japanese, who have been tapping into the practice of shinrin-yoku, which translates as “forest bathing,” where you immerse yourself in the woods to reap its rewards. We did exactly that when Merrell, the outdoor footwear company, challenged us to “take a hike,” an initiative to encourage Canadians to seek out their own hiking adventures. We strapped on Merrell hiking boots to trek along some beautiful trails in British Columbia to celebrate the near-completion of The Great Trail (a.k.a. Trans Canada Trail). Our pick for a must-try hike? The Grouse Grind, which locals call Mother Nature’s StairMaster. Plus, in honour of Canada’s 150th, Parks Canada is offering free admission to more than 100 national parks, marine conservation areas and historic sites across the country for the entire year.

The 2017 Parks Canada Discovery Pass is free.

MICHI & ME

The athleticwear playing field is packed with competitors, but the Canadian label Michi has been a standout at home and abroad for its sporty- meets-streetwear designs that you can wear in and out of the gym. We spoke to Calgary-born Michelle Watson (over Pilates, of course) about her line.

Moto zip leggings, $240, michiny.com. Q+A

Why did you launch

Michi? In 2010, while on the design team for RLX Ralph Lauren in New York, I noticed that there was a gap in the market for an athletic lifestyle brand that I could wear beyond the gym that got me excited to work out, too.

How did you start the

line? I began creating fashion-forward pieces: strappy sports bras and high-performance leggings with mesh inserts. The pieces looked good layered, were supportive yet functional and had a slimming effect.

What sets your collection apart?

Figure-flattering lines and details, luxe fabrics, the mix of activewear with streetwear or high fashion and the three-inch waistband that acts as shapewear to smooth the waistline.

What are your fave sports and activities?

My favourite sports are snowboarding, skiing, surfing and golf. My go-to activities are dance—from ballet to street—boxing, yoga and running.

HOT TYPE

TURN OVER A NEW LEAF

From playing a starring role in green juices to taking over Buddha bowls, veggies are getting the green light everywhere right now. Cold-pressed juice pioneer Greenhouse Juice Co. is expanding its turf with a new cookbook that features 100 fresh, fuss-free plant-based recipes—50 to drink and 50 to eat. “Moving plants from the side of your plate to the centre for one meal a day, or a few days a week, can make a big difference on a personal and global level,” says coauthor Emma Knight.

The Greenhouse Cookbook (Penguin Random House) by Emma Knight, $32, indigo.ca.

Female-focused studios where you can lift and lunge

GOODLIFE FITNESS FOR WOMEN National fitness chain GoodLife has 100 forwomen-only locations.

MISSFIT This Montreal hot spot offers 45- and 60-minute ladies-only cross-training and boot-camp classes.

CURVES One of the largest fitness centres for women, with locations from coast to coast, it offers a 30-minute circuit that comes with your own coach.

ELLE FITNESS AND SOCIAL

WE TRIED IT

MICHELLE EPSTEIN, OWNER & INSTRUCTOR

THE WORKOUTS: This women-only gym has a varied roster of high-intensity classes, from Bikini Boot Camp (cardio, plyometrics and weights), which works your entire body, to Cardio Booty Burn, where you’ll power through circuits and treadmill sprints to burn your lower half. BEST FOR: Those seeking high-intensity, results-driven classes led by an expert instructor. The signature Bodies by Elle class, a boot camp–style workout, is designed to sculpt muscles and burn fat in less than an hour.

THE FINAL WORD: You’ll feel like you’re building muscle and burning calories with your best gal pals.