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Labour Day has come and gone and we had our first taste of autumn weather recently. It’s dark when I wake up and I’ve had to wear my hoodie walking to work. For those unfamiliar with Canadian culture, weather is a major conversation piece especially when summer is ending and winter approaches.

Clients always assume the summer season must mean great business for those of us in injury rehabilitation. Yes, we see an increase in many sports specific injuries during the warm weather as weekend warriors are out in full force from their off season hibernation. I tend to think about all the clients who disappear during the summer months, not because they are away, but because they are feeling better. Feeling better simply because they are getting out and being active. Active does not have to mean training for marathons, a weekly Grouse Grind, or an intense sporting activity.

The summer days are long and warm so the Sea Wall is packed with people, bike routes are busy, and people are just outside moving around. I have clients whose job requires them to sit for many hours a day and if they are lucky, they get to stand for a portion of it at their brand new standing desk meant to alleviate their back or neck issues. Then they drive or bus home – more sitting, get home and relax on the couch – more sitting, eat dinner – more sitting, watch 3 episodes on Netflix – more sitting and then go to bed – no moving for 6-8 hours. But in the summer, many of them incorporate biking/walking to work, going out for a walk at lunch or after dinner, or even join a running group. So what changes in their life that alters their behaviour every year? The most common denominator is the weather. It’s dark before and after work, its rains – a lot in Vancouver, and it’s colder.

If you can relate, try incorporating some of these strategies this autumn:

• Proper clothing and footwear– there is no shortage of quality outdoor gear in this city
• Use your new gear
• Recruit friends – during the summer many activities revolve around social gatherings
• Join a fitness class or running/walking group – there is a sense of accountability and commitment when registering and paying for a class/group
• Try hot yoga if you are really adverse to winter conditions

Happy autumn! We hope that incorporating some activity this fall will keep you healthy and injury free.

Rob Iwasaki, BScPT, BScKin, Clinical STOTT Pilates, CAFCI