Shake off winter stiffness with simple movement strategies that actually work 

After a long and cold winter, your body craves movement and being outdoors again. Winter inactivity can lead to stiffness, lost mobility, and reduced strength, which is why gradual movement matters! So even if you are a regular spring and summer outdoor enthusiast, it is crucial that you gradually increase the amount and frequency you are engaging in activity to ensure you, and your body can stay happy and healthy as you enjoy the beautiful weather to come.

As we have moved past the spring equinox and everything starts to thaw, this is the perfect time to shake off the cold and welcome in new healthy habits. As the days and nights go back to being balanced (for a short time), it is important to remember to integrate balance and stability exercises back into our routines as our activity ramps up.

Posture reset

After months of hunching at screens and being trapped indoors our postures may drift out of alignment which can increase our risk for injury and discomfort. Good posture means having your ears stacked over your shoulders with your shoulders stacked over your hips, while maintaining a neutral spine. Simple daily check-ins such as standing against a wall or practicing gentle chin tucks can help you reconnect with that alignment and reduce unnecessary strain.

Core stability and balance

Your core is not only your visible ab muscles, but it also involves deep stabilizers that keep your body centered and your movement controlled. A stable core improves coordination, reduces injury risk, and helps your body transfer force. Easy functional movements such as dead bugs, bird dogs, side planks, and single leg stands can help train stability and balance and teach your body to stay controlled and supported through movement. When your core is stable, everything from balance to coordination improves.

Symmetry in movement

Most of us rely more on one side of the body, which can lead to imbalances over time. After months of sitting and lack of movement, asymmetries in muscle tone, tightness, and strength can form leading to compensations. Ask yourself, is one hip tighter than the other? Maybe you favour one side when you are standing? Or do you notice that one shoulder is uneven with the other? If so, you may have some asymmetries or imbalances that could place you at risk for injury. Identifying and improving imbalances and compensations can improve your movement efficiency, reduce injury, and enhance your performance!

P.S.  Spring is about growth and new beginnings, so take this time to build new habits and develop a strong movement foundation so you can make the most of your spring and summer. Contact the clinic for an assessment to realign your posture, rebuild your stability, and restore symmetry in how you move so you can spring into movement in a healthy and safe way!