Uncategorized

Every May, National Physical Fitness and Sports Month shines a spotlight on the importance of movement, exercise, and building sustainable healthy habits. While it originated in the U.S., the message strongly resonates here in British Columbia—especially in active, outdoor-focused cities like Vancouver. For those of us working in kinesiology, this month is more than just a reminder to “move more.” It’s an opportunity to rethink how we approach movement, prevent injury, and build a body that supports our lifestyle year-round. Why This Month Matters for British Columbians Living in BC comes with a

What Is the Vagus Nerve? The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body and a central component of the parasympathetic nervous system. Its primary role is to help shift the body into a “rest and digest” state, counteracting the “fight or flight” response. From a kinesiology standpoint, the vagus nerve influences: Heart rate Digestion Inflammation Muscle recovery Stress regulation Because of this, it plays a critical role in both performance and rehabilitation. The Connection Between Breathing and the Vagus Nerve Breathing is one of the few bodily functions that is both automatic and consciously controllable. This makes

Canada is fortunate to have one of the strongest healthcare systems in the world. As a result, people are living longer than ever before, contributing to a steadily ageing population. It’s projected that adults aged 65 and older will make up more than one-fifth of the Canadian population by 2068. While longevity is something to celebrate, it also brings new challenges—one of the most significant being the increased risk of falls. For older adults, fall risk is influenced by several factors, including reduced mobility and balance, muscle weakness, and vision changes.

Trigger point therapy is a powerful technique often used within kinesiology to help relieve muscle pain, improve movement, and support overall physical recovery. In a kinesiology setting, trigger point therapy is frequently integrated into exercise-based rehabilitation to help clients move more comfortably and efficiently. What Is Trigger Point Therapy? Trigger points are small, tight knots that develop within muscle fibers. These areas can become sensitive and painful, sometimes even referring pain to other parts of the body. Trigger point therapy involves applying targeted pressure to these points in order to release muscle

3 Exercises to help with neck Pain Neck pain is one of the most common complaints we see in the clinic. Whether it’s from long hours at a desk, stress, driving, or recovering from injury, stiffness and discomfort in the neck can quickly impact your sleep, focus, and overall quality of life. The good news? Targeted movement can make a big difference. Here are three simple, effective exercises we regularly use with clients to reduce tension, improve mobility, and support long-term neck health. 1. Chin Tucks (Deep Neck Flexor Activation) Why it helps:Many people with

As a kinesiologist, I’m always looking at movement through two lenses: how it supports the body mechanically, and how it supports us as whole humans—mentally, emotionally, and socially. Skiing is one of those rare activities that checks all the boxes. It’s not just a fun winter pastime. It’s a full-body, brain-boosting, nervous-system-regulating activity that happens to take place outdoors, which only amplifies the benefits. Let’s break down why skiing is such a powerful form of movement. 1. Skiing Is Functional, Full-Body Movement Skiing demands coordinated movement from head to toe. From a biomechanics standpoint,

We’ve all heard the phrase “sitting is the new smoking,” and while it might sound dramatic, the message behind it is real. Our modern lifestyles keep us in chairs far more than our bodies were designed for—at desks, in cars, on couches, and even while scrolling on our phones. Over time, long periods of sitting can impact our health in ways many people don’t realize. Why Sitting Is a Problem Extended sitting has been linked to: Slowed metabolism, making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar and burn calories. Increased risk of

As we age, maintaining good balance becomes more than just a fitness goal—it becomes a key pillar of long-term health, independence, and confidence. Many older adults begin to notice subtle changes such as slower reaction times, decreased strength, and reduced stability. These shifts are normal, but the good news is that balance can be trained and improved at any age. At West Coast Kinetics, we see firsthand how targeted balance training helps older individuals stay active, prevent falls, and move with more ease in everyday life. Why Balance Declines With Age Several natural

When you think of muscle tension, you might picture tight knots in your shoulders or back that just won’t let go. Those “knots” are often trigger points—hyper-irritable spots within muscle tissue that can refer pain elsewhere in the body. A kinesiologist can identify, assess, and treat these areas through a targeted approach called trigger point therapy, helping restore movement, reduce pain, and improve performance. What Is Trigger Point Therapy? Trigger point therapy is a manual technique used to release contracted muscle fibers and restore proper blood flow and oxygenation to the tissue.

The Turkish get up The Turkish get-up is one of those exercises that looks intimidating at first — but once you learn it, it becomes one of the most rewarding full-body movements you can do. It’s not just a test of strength; it’s a lesson in control, stability, and coordination. Here’s why adding Turkish get-ups to your routine can make a big difference in how you move, feel, and perform. 1. Builds Functional, Full-Body Strength From the moment you lie on your back to the point you stand tall with a weight overhead,