Snowshoe fitness boot camp on offer in Saskatoon this weekend

It's a time of year when many are thinking about getting more exercise, but in a winter city like Saskatoon, gyms often seem like the only option. 

Rob Friedt, a fitness trainer in the city, has something else in mind. This Saturday, he'll hold his first snowshoe boot camp.

"We have winter so many months of the year. If you don't get out and enjoy it, people become depressed. They are stuck indoors; they go stir-crazy," said Friedt during an interview with CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning.

Friedt usually runs outdoor boot camps during the warmer months in the city. The avid snowshoer said "nothing compares to outdoor exercise."

The trainer has adjusted his boot camp format to accommodate the extra footwear. It will be primarily a leg workout, with lunges, squatting and cardio, he said.

"I've got some fun games planned for some of the activities and it's going to be challenging," he said before adding that "any fitness level can do it."

Friedt said the concept has generated a lot of interest from people who "want to do something different. They want to get outside, get fresh air; they don't want to do the traditional gym workout."

The boot camp requires pre-registration and participants will need to bring their own snowshoes. Friedt stressed an appropriate wardrobe — layers — is also key.