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BC's trail network is one of the best in the world. From the Grouse Grind to the North Shore mountains to the backcountry trails of the Sea-to-Sky, Vancouver hikers have no shortage of terrain to explore. But nothing derails a day on the trail faster than foot pain. Whether it's a blister on your heel, a rolled ankle, or the deep ache of plantar fasciitis setting in on a long descent, most hiking-related foot problems are entirely preventable with the right preparation. Here's what you need to know to protect your

West Point Grey is one of Vancouver's most active neighbourhoods. Between the trails along the foreshore, the proximity to UBC, and a community that genuinely values health and movement, it's a place where staying active isn't a trend — it's part of the culture. But finding the right kind of personal training in West Point Grey is a different question from just finding a gym. Group classes and big box facilities have their place, but for people who want something more targeted — training that accounts for injury history, addresses movement

If you've ever worked with a personal trainer and felt like something was missing — like your program wasn't quite accounting for your bad knee, your shoulder history, or the recurring tightness in your hip — there's a reason for that. Most personal trainers are fitness professionals, not movement specialists. They're trained to design workouts, coach exercise technique, and keep you motivated. But they aren't trained to assess how your body actually moves, identify compensations and imbalances, or modify programming around a clinical understanding of your injury history. That's the gap

3 Neck Exercises That May Help Reduce Concussion Symptoms Concussions are often thought of as brain injuries alone, but many people are surprised to learn that the neck can play a significant role in ongoing concussion symptoms. Following a motor vehicle accident, sports injury, or fall, the muscles, joints, and nerves in the cervical spine can contribute to headaches, dizziness, neck pain, balance issues, and difficulty concentrating. At West Coast Kinetics, our kinesiology team regularly works with clients recovering from concussions through ICBC Active Rehab. Whether your injury occurred in a car

Whether you're hiking the rugged trails of British Columbia, tackling steep mountain ascents, or simply enjoying your local forest paths, strong and stable ankles are essential. Uneven terrain, loose rocks, roots, and long descents all place significant demands on your ankles and Achilles tendon. Without proper strength and stability, your risk of sprains, strains, and overuse injuries increases. At West Coast Kinetics, kinesiology focuses on improving the way your body moves through targeted exercise prescription. A kinesiologist doesn't just help you recover from injuries—they help you prevent them. Through kinesiology, you

Recovering from a concussion takes patience, the right guidance, and a personalized rehabilitation plan. While rest is important in the early stages, research now shows that gradual, guided exercise plays a key role in recovery for many people. If you've been injured in a motor vehicle accident, ICBC Active Rehab and kinesiology can provide the support you need to safely return to work, sport, and daily life. At West Coast Kinetics, our team uses ICBC Active Rehab programs combined with evidence-based kinesiology practices to help clients recover from concussion symptoms while

If you've ever tried Pilates, you know it's a powerful way to build strength, improve posture, and feel more connected to your body. But what happens when you take that mindful movement approach and combine it with the knowledge and clinical insight of a kinesiologist? You get clinical Pilates, a focused, therapeutic method designed to support injury recovery, manage chronic conditions, and optimize functional movement. At West Coast Kinetics, our clinical Pilates sessions are led by experienced kinesiologists who understand the mechanics of your body and how to tailor movement safely

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 real 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, every muscle in your body

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