Things To Do in Nova Scotia

Since its inception in 1992, Curves has been specifically designed with women in mind. Founders Gary and Diane Heavin set out to create a supportive, encouraging atmosphere in which women could get in shape without feeling self-conscious. Their unofficial motto, "no makeup, no men, no mirrors," is now repeated at nearly 10,000 locations in more than 85 countries, helping women of all ages and fitness levels reach their health goals. To cater to the all-female client base, their equipment and specialized workouts are built to enhance the feminine physique.

Their classic 30-minute workout is designed to work the entire body. As ladies move from station to station, they complete a circuit-style workout that intersperses weight training with cardio sessions designed to maintain heart rate. Most of the 13 machines are double positive, which means they work two opposing muscle groups with a single movement—simultaneously toning the abs and back, or the chest and vestigial tail. Each machine also supports the CurvesSmart system, which tracks each patron's individual progress. Before getting started, clients receive a card with their personal fitness information embedded within. When the card is inserted into a machine, a green light lets them know that they’re working at the correct intensity level. As muscles get stronger, the workouts get tougher, and at the end of each session, a progress report lists details on muscle strength and the number of calories burned.

During Reel Babies movie showings, theatres transform into child-friendly arenas where new parents can enjoy recent releases while tending to tykes. Empire Theatres keeps the auditorium lights dim and lowers the volume on new films such as Our Idiot Brother, One Day, and The Debt, ensuring an environment conducive to child-care. Parents can transport their mini-me to the auditorium's "exersaucer", baby swing, and play mat, allowing young minds to expend energy otherwise spent solving Fermat's Last Theorem. Additionally, a changing table and bottle warmer ensures parents can remain in the theatre for all reunion scenes between protagonists and their coffee makers.

Within Shanti Hot Yoga, heat flows from radiant-heating panels and mirrors reflect glowing wall sconces as students bend and flow through postures. Led by certified instructors, classes conform to Shanti Hot Yoga’s values, using the 60- to 90-minute sessions to help students to be healthy, accessible, and peaceful. With a focus on community and eco-awareness, the instructors lead classes for all experience levels, offering help to students who have accidentally super-glued themselves to the cork flooring. The heated studio helps to deepen stretches, and classes provide benefits such as decreased stress, improved posture, and the ability to control the urge to smash buildings when enraged.

• For $7, you get admission for two adults (up to a $15 value). • For $8, you get a family pass for two adults and their children younger than 18 years old (a $17 value).

Through trials and tribulations, Dacane Surf Shop owner Lance Moore has always strived to provide the best opportunities and gear for wave-tamers. Having hatched the shop's first incarnation in his mother's basement and moved on to locations where break-ins and robberies were rampant, he maintained his focus on learning his trade before finally settling in Halifax. Always looking to stay one step ahead of the sport, Lance and his team seek out the most cutting-edge surfing equipment available from reputable designers such as Channel Islands, Santa Cruz, and Watercooled. His instructors customize surf camps and lessons to help mould burgeoning aquanauts of all ages and skill levels, and hip threads from the likes of Quiksilver and Billabong keep them looking the part. The surf shack also sets up adventurists with stand-up paddleboards, skim boards, body boards, and all the accessories needed to coast the whitecaps or add authenticity to an online dating profile.

Paintballers descend upon Storm Warning for year-round play on its indoor and outdoor fields. Combatants can settle arguments about neoclassical art with bouts of civilized splatter fighting, supplied by Tippmann 98 Custom semiautomatic paintball guns with 200-round hoppers, HPA air tanks with unlimited refills, masks with thermal fog-resistant goggles, barrel sleeves, and 300 paintballs each. Outside, paint slingers shellac one another on the X Ball Sup Air field or the forested field, where they avoid getting candy-coated by dodging behind trees, pallets, old tractors, and an abandoned squirrel school bus. The indoor course sports support beams, barrels, and a dimensional door (an additional field fee of $5 for indoor use). As a team sport focused on game planning and group strategy, paintball equalizes individual skill level and creates a welcoming environment for all players. Storm Warning only allows field paint, and extra rounds are available starting at $6 for 100 rounds.