Exercise

Take one long walk in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and you'll know why it's always high on the lists of most livable cities. Mile after mile of beautiful, accessible waterfront. Mountain views all around. A huge, forest-like park at the end of town. And good eating all across town.

A 3-minute exercise to strengthen and train the muscles you use to stay on your feet. A dynamic balance exercise. It's not as goofy or easy as it looks. A little like tightrope-walking. No rope, no net. You can do it right on the floor.

Great hills. Great food. Five hours. Ten miles. 2,000 calories burned. Medieval castles and convents. Peacocks, parrots and swans. Hand-painted ceramic tiles covering entire building facades. A city that's as beautiful and delicious as it is hilly.

If you have high blood pressure, you've probably been told to reduce or eliminate your salt consumption. And to exercise regularly. If you're not so good at either one of these, here's a near-zero-sodium salt substitute and some exercise news you might like to know about.

Let's start the week loose. Comfortable. Flexible. Because flexible muscles make everything easier and less tiring. Today's Way'll relax and stretch your neck, shoulders, back and hips. Make them feel and function better.

Chinese New Year and surf's up down at Big Wave Bay. Hike the Dragon's Back Trail to Shek O Peak and wind your Way back down to the beach. Let's celebrate the new Year of the Dragon like mountain goats. Happy New Year.

Like all first-Mondays-of-the-month, today's comes with a simple, gentle one-minute Way to improve your health. Get up! C'mon, you can read standing up. By the time you finish reading this Way, you're done with the first rep of today's healthy exercise.

Skate right into town on the Rideau Canal. Hot chocolate and snacks all along the Way. Then put on your shoes: 100 miles of foot and bike paths line the rivers and canals. With dozens of restaurants along the Way. Either Way, burn more calories than you consume on your Winterlude Way.

Your strength. Good news: all you need is frequent exercise to maintain muscle strength and mass. At any age. Like all fourth-Mondays-of-the-month this year, today comes with a simple, three-minute Way to increase your strength.

If it's Way too hot where you are, come here to cool down. And if your winters aren't cold enough for you, Quebec City'll give you a good chill during Winter Carnival. All year, it's a beautiful and beyond-charming old town, like a small French city that landed in North America.