What do better sleep, a brighter mood, a stronger immune system, improved mental health, a sharper memory and increased productivity have in common?

They’re all benefits you get when you regularly move your body.

Saturday, June 5 is Canada’s National Day to promote Health and Fitness. It’s a great time to celebrate your body with movement – but running, biking and weightlifting aren’t for everyone. Luckily, you can enjoy the benefits of movement in countless other ways – all it takes is a little creativity.

So, here are nine of IGNITE’s favourite unconventional ways to move your body:

1. Plant a garden

If you have some outdoor space, you can get active by prepping a small plot to grow veggies, flowers or seasonal shrubs! Gardening allows you to both move your body and enjoy the sunshine – and it rewards you with some gorgeous greenery.

No outdoor space? No problem! Toronto is home to a host of community gardens where you can help out with a larger-scale cultivation project. However, make sure to read and follow the current COVID-19 guidelines surrounding community gardens before you visit.

2. Deep clean your space

Dusting, sweeping, mopping, wiping and sanitizing can really get your blood flowing if you put your all into them. Plus, when you’re done, you’ll feel accomplished and have a neat and tidy room to relax in!

3. Toss a frisbee with your housemates

There’s just something about soaking in the summer sun with the grass under your feet, as you jump to snag a frisbee from mid-air that makes you feel like a kid again.

Keep in mind, though, it’s still necessary to follow COVID-19 public health guidelines while you play. Most public parks in Toronto remain open but outdoor gatherings with those you don’t live with aren’t permitted – so, for now, keep the frisbee-throwing among household members.

4. Learn the dance in your favourite music video

Pick up the steps from the music video itself or check out a dance tutorial video! YouTube channels like Mandy Jiroux and TGMT TV teach you to move along with today’s chart-topping hits – including Dua Lipa‘s Break My Heart, Ariana Grande‘s Positions and The Weeknd‘s Blinding Lights.

5. Or just jam out to some summer tunes

IGNITE has just the playlist for that.

6. Explore the great outdoors

Hiking: it’s like walking, but fancy. And, lucky for you, the area around Toronto is dotted with a number of picturesque trails that will take your breath away in more ways than one.

7. Stage a water fight

Pick up a bag of water balloons while on your next grocery run, split your household into teams and let the games begin! Friendly competition makes movement way more fun.

8. Make some music

Just like cleaning or gardening, playing an instrument is an everyday activity that can easily double as a dose of movement. Whether you’re learning the chords to your favourite song on the piano or composing your own melody on the guitar, when you’re done, you’ll be equally energized and exhilarated.

9. Design a jump rope routine

C’mon, we know you’ve wanted to learn double dutch since you saw Corbin Bleu in Jump In.

You shouldn’t have to force yourself through workout routines you don’t enjoy. You can make movement something to look forward to by engaging in it in ways you like, at an intensity and frequency that works for you.

This National Health & Fitness Day, IGNITE challenges you to celebrate your body – not punish it.

Need something slow-paced? Here’s how to meditate when you don’t like meditating.

Follow IGNITE on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for all things student life.