Get Fit and Have Fun at Health Crawl 2.0

Local entrepreneurs have created the perfect Gastown event to jump-start your healthy lifestyle

It’s no surprise that Vancouver is a very healthy city. From numerous juice bars to the countless bikes around the Stanley Park seawall, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to incorporating health and fitness into our daily routines and our largely outdoors lifestyle. But for those of us who are ready to begin a healthy lifestyle for the first time, it can be difficult to know where to start, from planning out a diet that works for you to starting a workout routine.

Thankfully, two Vancouverites have just the solution: a health crawl! What’s that, you ask? Think “pub crawl from your college days” but, instead of drinking alcohol, you drink healthy juices and teas while listening to expert speakers talk about everything health-related.

Nadya Pecherskaya and Ariana Fotinakis are two Vancouver-based entrepreneurs with a long-time passion for health and fitness. “We met two years ago and instantly connected!” says Pecherskaya, who is a nutritionist and founder of a health-focused community group. Fotinakis is a wellness coach so both women possess a shared vision of a healthier Vancouver.

According to the duo, there are several reasons why Vancouver is the perfect city for an event like this. “Vancouver is the health mecca of Canada, with residents who are passionate and conscious consumers,” says Pecherskaya. “They care not only about their own health and well-being, but also about the environment, the community and supporting local businesses.”

This isn’t the pair’s first time hosting the event. They held a Health Crawl last year which was a big success. “This year, we’ve more than doubled the spaces to create a more immersive experience, allowing attendees to build a deeper connection with vendors,” says Pecherskaya. “As a result, they’ll get to explore more amazing businesses in Gastown that are often tucked away or that they might not have heard of.”

The duo also hopes to empower people to look at their health from different angles, such as keeping on top of the latest wellness trends or discovering a new local business. Pecherskaya and Fotinakis hope attendees see the importance of considering smaller, local companies when it’s time to make a purchase. “When we shop locally, we are helping create a more sustainable city that benefits residents both financially and environmentally.”

Overall, the aim of the event is to have a great time. “We’ve been talking about serious issues here, but Health Crawl 2.0 is meant to be a fun day,” says Pecherskaya. “Strolling through Gastown, sampling delicious, healthy treats, shopping for your next favourite pair of workout pants and making new friends along the way… that’s what Health Crawl 2.0 is all about.”
Health Crawl 2.0; Various locations; April 21, 2018; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Details online