6 Creative Scenes Making Thunder Bay an Arts Hotspot
Bonnie Schiedel
April 1, 2026
It’s January…it’s cold, and there’s snowbanks taller than your car. Suddenly, everyone in Thunder Bay feels like it’s too cold to work out, the roads are brutal, or they’ll hit the gym when “it’s nicer”. Sound familiar?
If the thought of workouts in January makes you hibernate until May, you’re not alone. Every year, we go in strong with resolutions, motivation, and grand plans, and by the second week, most of it quietly disappears as winter gives us a million reasons to stall. But here’s the thing: winter doesn’t have to be the reason you stop moving. It just means movement needs to look a little different. Luckily, Thunder Bay has no shortage of indoor options. Here’s a couple of our favourites:
Ananda Studios
Before you even step on the mat, Ananda Studios name says it all. Ananda is a Sanskrit word (the ancient language of yoga) meaning a state of immense bliss and internal happiness… and in the middle of a TBay winter, that’s exactly the type of energy we’re all looking for.
With shorter days, less sunlight, stiff muscles, and sluggish energy, winter hits hard, and yoga becomes one way of directly countering it all. Ananda Studios offers a mix of infrared hot, warm, and regular temperature classes making it one of the easiest ways to stay active when the cold drains your motivation, and at a level of heat (and sweat) that works for you. This is why yoga is awesome in the winter:
From Warm Beginner Pilates (hello posture, strength, and deep stretching) to Mid-Day Stretch classes that act like a reset button for your workday (highly recommended), Ananda makes movement approachable and welcoming, not intimidating.
“Asanas help increase strength, range of motion, and mobility, improving circulation and reducing injury while decreasing recovery time. Add in intentional pranayama breathing, and suddenly your nervous system relaxes, stress levels drop, and that mind-body connection becomes something you actually carry into daily life,” says Ananda Studios Owner, Shaye Mascarin.
Keep in mind you must register in advance for all classes. A meaningful way to participate in a class for free is through the Ananda Reclaimed program which invites locals to donate lightly used, brand name athletic wear in exchange for free yoga. Once donated items sell, a large portion of proceeds goes to charity, keeping money local and textiles out of landfills.
Push Fitness Centre
January at PUSH is less about going harder and more about showing up.
The gym’s new Cadence Spin 30 is perfect for anyone who’s ever felt spintimidated! It’s a fully seated, 30-minute ride focused on smooth, high-cadence movement, so no climbs, no standing, no pressure to keep up. You control the resistance, so beginners and experienced riders can be in the same class without feeling out of place. It’s short, efficient and very Thunder Bay-January friendly.
Push is also launching a six week small group series later this month that blends mobility, core strength, and guided reflection. It’s movement paired with mindfulness, because winter brain needs that too. More details are expected mid to late January.
And if crazy workouts aren’t your thing yet, PUSH is a big supporter of the Japanese Walking Method, alternating 3 minutes easy with 3 minutes fast for about 30 minutes. No running. No pressure. No pretending you love burpees. You choose the speed and control the effort.
For newcomers, it’s low impact, approachable, and confidence building, and also a way to improve cardiovascular fitness without feeling overwhelmed. For seasoned athletes, it builds the aerobic base, supports recovery, and adds meaningful conditioning without beating up the body.
“Group fitness continues to be one of the best ways for people of all ages and abilities to stay active. The shared energy, structure, and sense of community help with motivation and accountability, while still allowing everyone to work at their own level,” explains Push’s Jenn Bisignano.
Push Fitness Centre’s full schedule and online booking can be found here.
The Canada Games Complex
If you grew up in Thunder Bay, you already know the Complex. And honestly, it’s still one of the best indoor fitness spaces in the city. Built for the 1981 Canada Summer Games, the Complex was designed to serve the community, and it still does. With programming seven days a week, it’s built for all fitness levels, not just the super motivated.
Why people keep going back:
• The massive Olympic-standard pool (obviously)
• The Thunder Slide (yes, adults are allowed)
• An indoor running track overlooking the pool
• Squash courts and strength spaces
Classes range from Aquabics and Pilates to Kettlebell circuits and Senior Spin, making it one of the most flexible places to ease back into movement. And if you’re looking for something different, Powwow Fitness with Gloria blends traditional powwow music with modern tracks, cardio, strength, and dance. It’s SO much fun.
Embody Dance Collective
If the gym has never been your style, this is your cue to step onto the dance floor. Whether you’re returning after a long break or coming into the studio for the first time, Embody Dance Collective is built specifically for adult dancers, including absolute beginners. Classes vary from heels, hip hop, jazz, and jazz funk, all in an space that is very “come as you are.” It’s about finding your groove and remembering how good it feels to move your body with intention. Founder Emma Dubinsky says it best:
“Dance is the ultimate workout because it doesn’t feel like one. You’re building strength, stamina, and mobility while moving to music, expressing yourself, and connecting with others. It’s social, creative, and actually fun, which is rare in January.”
One class in, and suddenly your 2026 playlist has changed. Embody Dance Collective just moved into a stunning new studio at 1526 Victoria Ave. E., and it’s quickly becoming a go to space for people who want movement without pressure. Led by Emma, who bringsover 27 years of dance experience and unbeatable energy to every class, it’s impossible not to leaving feeling stronger, happier and already planning your next visit. See you there!
Thunder Bay winter gives us plenty of excuses, but it also gives us options. You don’t need a perfect routine, or a massive lifestyle overhaul. You don’t even need to love working out! You just need something warm, welcoming, and repeatable.
The new year doesn’t have to be about becoming someone new. It’s about moving enough to feel human again. And in Thunder Bay? That’s more than doable!
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Website developed by Firedog Communications.
CEDC © 2025. All rights reserved.