How to Properly Warm-Up and Cool-Down During the Summer Weather

When the sun is out and the birds are chirping, it can be hard not to jump straight into your exercise routine – we get it, and we are excited too! Whatever you do, don’t let this hot weather fool you into skipping out on a proper warm-up and cool-down routine.

Follow along as we discuss the best warm-up and cool-down routine for summer, how to do it, and why it’s important (even when you don’t want to). 

Factors to Consider When Exercising in the Heat 

Exercising in the heat of the summer can put a ton of stress on our bodies. Without proper consideration of the heat, it can put you at serious risk of injury or even illness! 

Some of the most heat-related common issues include: 

  • Heat cramps – painful, involuntary muscle spasms that typically occur during bouts of moderate-to-heavy exercise in hot environments. 
  • Heat exhaustion –  this can arise during longer, more strenuous bouts of exercise in hot environments causing nausea, weakness, headaches and possibly fainting. 
  • Heatstroke – when heat exhaustion is left untreated, it can advance to heatstroke which can be a life-threatening emergency condition. 

Fortunately, two of the best ways to avoid these issues is by starting and finishing your workout the right way… with a proper warm-up and cool-down routine!

The Importance of Warming up and Cooling down in the Summer

Getting our minds and bodies prepared for activity is key to preventing injury  — especially in the heat!

The Warm-Up

A warm-up is an essential part of any workout. Although the temperatures are high and you may already “feel warm” when you step outside, a warm-up is still crucial to your workout – here’s why! 

  • It gradually exposes us to higher temperatures which are less alarming or intense on our minds or bodies
  • It improves muscles and neural activation to prepare our bodies for work
  • It helps lengthen or “warm-up” our joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles to prevent injury 

An optimal warmup routine includes a range of low-intensity dynamic stretching. Unlike static stretching where you hold a position for a period of time, dynamic stretching keeps your body in motion through a joint’s full range of motion. 

Note: Although the goal is to prepare our bodies for activity, research recommends a shorter than normal routine to limit a sudden rise in our body temperature and minimize the chance of dehydration. 

Here are some summer warm-up exercises you can try: 

  • 10-20 jumping jacks
  • 10-20 bodyweight squats
  • 20 arm circles (forwards and backwards) 
  • 1-2 minutes jump rope
  • 3-5 minutes slow jog 

The Cool-Down

Cooling down after working in high temperatures is an essential step in recovery. A cool-down is intended to bring your body temperature down, slow your heart rate, regulate blood flow, and prevent cramping or muscle stiffness caused by lactic acid buildup. 

In this case, we recommend static stretching. Find a cool resting spot under a tree or inside to begin your cool-down routine. Begin with the largest muscles first (i.e. quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, etc.), holding each stretch for 20-30 seconds. 

Examples of static cool-down exercises in summer weather include:

  • Standing bend (upper back and hamstrings)
  • Seated butterfly pose (groins)
  • Head to knee forward bend (hamstrings)
  • Figure four (glutes and IT band) 
  • Standing knee bend (quadriceps)
  • Arm across the body (triceps) 

Other ways to cool-down during a hot day include drinking plenty of water, resting a damp cloth on your neck or head, or taking a cool shower. 

Over To You

To get the most out of your next summer workout, be sure to spend a little extra time to properly warm-up and cool- down your body! Not only can this help you avoid injury but it can guide you to creating helpful habits necessary to excel on your exercise journey. 

Drop us a comment below if you have any questions!

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We are a dedicated team of exercise experts with over 25 years of combined experience. We are passionate about sharing our knowledge with our clients, community and allied professionals.

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Physiotherapist

we are hiring!

Join Our Team at Wildewood Health: Seeking Passionate Physiotherapist

Are you a dynamic physiotherapist looking to push the boundaries of your profession and make a real impact on your patients’ lives? Wildewood Health, a state-of-the-art multidisciplinary clinic, is looking for skilled individuals like you to join our team!

Position: Physiotherapist
Location: Wildewood Health, 3064 Barons Road
Type: Full-time

 

ABOUT US?

Wildewood Health is dedicated to excellence in rehabilitation, performance and health. With our large, modern rehabilitation and performance space, we provide a cutting-edge environment designed for optimal recovery and training outcomes. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive treatment plans that are as unique as the patients we serve.

THE ROLE:

As a physiotherapist at Wildewood Health, you will:

  • Provide high-quality, personalized physiotherapy treatment.
  • Work within a collaborative team environment alongside other health care professionals.
  • Use evidence-based practices to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of conditions.
  • Participate in ongoing education and professional development opportunities.
  • Help to expand our services and innovate new treatment protocols.


WE OFFER:

  • A competitive salary/ employee-contractor and benefits package.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
  • A supportive community of health professionals.
  • Access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
 

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Masters in Physiotherapy from an accredited institution.
  • Licensed to practice in British Columbia, Canada.
  • Experience in a clinical setting is preferred, but new graduates are welcome to apply.
  • Strong communication skills and a passion for patient care.
 

HOW TO APPLY:

Please send your resume and cover letter detailing your experience and why you would be a great fit for our team to krista@wildewoodhealth.com

Join Wildewood Health and help us set new standards in physiotherapy care and patient rehabilitation. We look forward to meeting you and exploring how your skills and passion can contribute to our community.

Shirin

kinesiologist

Shirin attended Simon Fraser University, where she graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Science. Her major in Kinesiology, with a specialization in Active Health and Rehabilitation, showcased her deep interest in exercise prescription and its impact on overall well-being. Inspired by her upbringing on Vancouver Island, where she loved to play games and sports outdoors, Shirin’s love for sports rehabilitation and exercise therapy grew. This passion led her to pursue a kinesiology major, where she gained valuable experience volunteering with diverse populations, including Special Olympic athletes and children with developmental disabilities. This work ignited her desire to create inclusive movement and exercise programs for people of all abilities, emphasizing the importance of enjoyable and manageable physical activity.

Throughout her life, Shirin has played several different sports, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and golf. Among these, golf emerged as her true passion, leading her to play at the collegiate level for SFU. Under her leadership, the team achieved two victories, including the 2023 Conference Championship . This experience heightened Shirin’s appreciation for the power of athletics and the joy of movement. Motivated by the values of teamwork, camaraderie, competition, and fun, she became an advocate for youth engagement in sports, supporting junior programs at local golf courses. Shirin’s involvement in varsity sports also cultivated her passion for working with athletes and assisting them in their injury recovery and maintenance.

In her spare time, you’ll find Shirin exploring the mountains of Strathcona Provincial Park, camping by a lake, or attempting to learn a new activity such as pickleball or disc golf.

Adult Level 1

Strength & Conditioning (female only)

This program is designed for the adult who knows the benefits of strength and conditioning but has little / none lifting experience or prefers a slower pace to their class.

This program will help the adult learn fundamental movement patterns and how to structure workouts so they feel comfortable doing so on their own. This program is the building blocks for ‘Level 2 – Intermediate’ should the adult want to progress.

How our classes work:

  • Buy a punch pass 10 for $175 or 20 for $310.
  • Sign up for the classes you can make! Should spaces become limited, additional sessions will be added.


What is included:

  • 75 minute strength and conditioning classes offered in the morning and evening time slots.
  • At home mobility program.
  • Small, inclusive environment, up to 5 adults plus coach.
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) leading the programs


Schedule:

Tuesday’s from 6:30 – 7:45 pm

Introduction to Lifting

Strength & Conditioning (female only)

  • Is your daughter interested in weight lifting but you/ her aren’t sure where to start?
  • Are you looking for a small environment for your daughter to start lifting?
  • Is your daughter a multisport athletes and is looking at leveling up hear strength and conditioning?
  • Do you want your daughter to learn strength and conditioning from a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)?


Introduction to lifting is a Semi-private strength development for the female athlete. This program includes 8 weeks of intensive training to cover fundamental movement patterns, fundamental lifting principles and understand the basics of structuring a well ordered strength and conditioning plan.

What does it include?

  • 1 x weekly sessions for 8 weeks
  • 1 x weekly at home sessions to practice each week
  • Weekly check ins with their coach to answer all questions
  • Small, inclusive, female environment with a 4:1 coach to athlete ratio

Administrator

we are hiring!

Job Description 

As the receptionist/ administrator, you would be expected to work the front desk and be the first thing people see! Duties can include but are not limited to: 

  • Answering the phone/ managing the inbox
  • Supporting with billing procedures, month end, etc.
  • Client tracking sheets and support


Qualities / Values we are looking for:

  • Passionate about activity and movement.
  • Can work in a team environment but independently as well.
  • You have a desire to learn and grow.
  • You have a positive, can do attitude, even-keel and drama free.
  • You are looking for a position to grow into and set your roots.
  • You want to be part of a great team, who considers you family.


Your Education/ Experience/ Knowledge:

Asset to have certain skills and a combination but willing to hire the right candidate and train on necessary skills as needed.

  • Previous administrator/ front desk experience
  • Customer service experience
  • Medical administrator experience or direct billing experience
  • QuickBooks experience
  • Jane experience
  • Excel experience


Employment includes statutory holidays, vacation pay, benefits (after 6 months) and more! Wildewood Health
also provides weekly education seminars and continuing education credits.

If interested, please email your resume and cover letter to admin@wildewoodhealth.com.

Application is open until the right candidate is hired. Individuals will be interviewed on a rolling basis.

Pediatric Kinesiologist/ Interventionist

we are hiring!

Job Description 

Wildewood Health supports youth across Vancouver Island. We work with youth to develop functional movement skills, fine and gross motor skills and help children accomplish their physical education goals. The right candidate will work with us, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and other team members to provide rehabilitation programs to children of varying abilities and skills from ages 3-18+.      

Your role would be to follow treatment plans from physiotherapists and occupational therapists to ensure kiddos with varying abilities and needs are accomplishing their functional goals. Programs might take place in various cities, centers, parks and our clinic space.


Qualities / Values we are looking for:

  • Passionate about working with special needs kids/ children.   
  • Able to work independently but also in a team environment.  
  • Strong communication skills with your team and clients.  
  • Creative to ensure programs and enjoyable AND effective.  
  • You have a desire to learn and grow.  
  • You have a positive, can-do attitude, even-keel, and drama free.  
  • You are looking for a position to grow into and set your roots.  
  • You want to be part of a great team, who considers you family.


Your Education/ Experience/ Knowledge:

  • Previous experience working with the special needs’ population, including those that have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, OR working with children of all ages and abilities.   
  • Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or additional education other than Dogwood Diploma or 3 + years of experience.   
  • Worked in a multi-disciplinary place or clinic (an asset)    
  • Have a governing body (BCAK) and hold insurance (an asset).  


Employment includes statutory holidays, vacation pay, benefits (after 6 months) and more! Wildewood Health
also provides weekly education seminars and continuing education credits.

If interested, please email your resume and cover letter to admin@wildewoodhealth.com.

Application is open until the right candidate is hired. Individuals will be interviewed on a rolling basis.

Current Job Openings

we are hiring!

Kinesiologist

we are hiring!

Job Description 

We are looking for a kinesiologist to join our team to work with many different populations. Their role could include both mobile and clinic shifts. They will be expected to work with chronic pain clients, pre- and post-surgical clients, life performance, sport performance and more!   


Qualities / Values we are looking for:

  • Passionate about kinesiology.   
  • Able to work independently but also in a team environment.  
  • Strong communication skills with your team and clients.  
  • Creative to ensure programs and enjoyable AND effective.  
  • You have a desire to learn and grow.  
  • You have a positive, can-do attitude, even-keel, and drama free.  
  • You are looking for a position to grow into and set your roots.  
  • You want to be part of a great team, who considers you family.


Your Education/ Experience/ Knowledge:

  • Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or something similar.   
  • In Good Standing BCAK + 5 million liability insurance  
  • Strength and Conditioning certification (an asset).  
  • Masters in Kinesiology/ physiology/ rehabilitation (an asset). 


Employment includes statutory holidays, vacation pay, benefits (after 6 months) and more! Wildewood Health
also provides weekly education seminars and continuing education credits.

If interested, please email your resume and cover letter to admin@wildewoodhealth.com.

Application is open until the right candidate is hired. Individuals will be interviewed on a rolling basis.

Athletic Therapist

we are hiring!

Job Description 

We are looking for an athletic therapist to join our team to work with many different populations. This position would start July 1st, 2023 and look like a combination of clinic and field placement work.


Qualities / Values we are looking for:

  • Passionate about activity and movement.
  • Can work in a team environment but independently as well.
  • You have a desire to learn and grow.
  • You have a positive, can do attitude, even-keel and drama free.
  • You are looking for a position to grow into and set your roots.
  • Strong communication skills with your team and clients.
  • You want to be part of a great team, who considers you family.


Your Education/ Experience/ Knowledge:

  • Candidate must be registered with ATABC and CATA with maintained status.
  • Candidate must have at least 5 million general liability.
  • Other certifications an asset!

 

Employment includes statutory holidays, vacation pay, benefits (after 6 months) and more! Wildewood Health
also provides weekly education seminars and continuing education credits.

If interested, please email your resume and cover letter to admin@wildewoodhealth.com.

Application is open until the right candidate is hired. Individuals will be interviewed on a rolling basis.

Travis

Office Manager & Kinesiologist

Travis Michelson is a Kinesiologist who moved from Sunny, South Africa, to the small Island town of Nanaimo, BC. He grew up playing every sport under the sun and being involved in any activity that kept him moving. This passion for moving and being involved in an active lifestyle led him to pursue a career where he can use this love. He completed his studies in 2010 at the University of Johannesburg and has since worked with various individuals to help them enjoy life to the fullest using exercise as a modality. The body was designed to move, and Travis is a big believer in using exercise as a form of medicine to help people achieve their various goals. Your body can become very resilient if stimulated correctly, and you can often achieve much more than you thought by giving your body the correct “medicine.”

Travis has helped various individuals reach their personal goals, such as completing their first triathlon, running their first half marathon, or being able to play with their grandchildren pain-free.

Travis enjoys trail running, swimming, and any sport involving a ball. You might see him running up and down Mount Benson in the snow during the winter or paddling around Neck Point or Westwood Lake with his lovely wife and two beautiful kids in the summer months.

Lauren

Kinesiologist

Lauren graduated from Vancouver Island University with a Bachelor of Kinesiology in 2023.  Throughout their time as a student, Lauren had the opportunity to work in a variety of multi-sport coaching roles with youth in Nanaimo, most notably coaching female hockey for many years with Nanaimo Minor Hockey Association.

Growing up in Nanaimo, Lauren played any sport that was available and came to high school, they narrowed their focus to hockey and softball. Having led an active lifestyle growing up, Lauren values the importance of fundamental movement skills and fitness and believes that physical literacy is freedom that every person of every ability deserves. Having also had personal experience with sports injuries, they’ve seen firsthand how effective active rehab is to get people back to doing what they love. Lauren is excited to offer exercise as a tool help treat pain and improve performance whether it be for sports or everyday life for all ages.

Today Lauren stays active by training for Olympic weightlifting, playing hockey, and joining in the occasional game of dodgeball. With a competitive spirit and a love for challenge, Lauren is always looking for new sports to play or a new physical challenge to take on.

Jenna

Athletic Therapist & Kinesiologist

Jenna graduated from the Bachelors of Athletic and Exercise Therapy program at Camosun College in 2022. Throughout her time as a student, she had the opportunity to work in a multitude of sports at Shawnigan Lake School. In addition, she worked with high-performance athletes at Rugby Canada, which was an incredible experience and personal goal of hers.

Using exercise as a tool for injury, pain, and lifestyle changes, Jenna is keen to work with all populations. She is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, which is applicable to all the athletes she works with. Jenna has always led a healthy, active lifestyle and knows the importance of this is for people’s happiness, livelihoods, and overall wellness. When working with her clients, she wants to ensure that their bodies don’t stand in the way of doing what they love, whether that be injury prevention, pain management, lifting and so much more.

In her spare time, you can catch Jenna playing for the Cowichan Piggies on the rugby pitch, or with those same teammates attempting to play with a pig skin in flag football. She loves living on this beautiful island, and she is always looking for more suggestions on where to go hiking or paddling.

Katy

Kinesiologist

Katy Wright is a registered kinesiologist living in Nanaimo, BC. She received her Bachelors of Kinesiology at Vancouver Island University in 2020. Katy has lived in Nanaimo for 14 years and is passionate about making a positive difference in her community.

In her youth, Katy enjoyed participating in a variety of sports and athletics. She played on organized sports teams including basketball, volleyball, and softball, and also enjoyed creative activities like dance lessons. Growing up on the island, Katy favored seasonal activities like snowboarding in the winter and kayaking in the summer. Currently, Katy stays active by going to the gym and spending time in the beautiful outdoors of BC.

During her undergrad, Katy had the opportunity to learn about the various fundamental movement skills associated with different activities and sports. She is committed to advocating for inclusive play and adaptive activities for atypical children. She understands the importance of developing lifelong habits like physical activity, nutrition, and mental well-being. Katy has always had the right enthusiasm and energy to work with young children and enjoys getting creative. She is never shy to sing, dance, or get silly! Her interest in human anatomy and fundamental movement skills was what inspired her to pursue kinesiology as a profession.

In her spare time, Katy enjoys practicing her guitar, singing, and dancing. She loves to spend time having fun with her family and friends. Katy has been a vegetarian for the last 7 years and is passionate about sustainable eating practices. She has a little black tabby cat named Lucy who loves to cuddle and play.

Jalin

Athletic Therapist

Jalin Couper is a registered Athletic Therapist here in Nanaimo, British Columbia. She received her Bachelor of Athletic and Exercise Therapy at Camosun College in 2017. Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics at St. Francis Xavier University in 2014. Her passion is getting everyone back to doing what they love from gardening to rec soccer to national competitions.

Her passion for athletics started at an early age, playing a variety of sports. It was a rare night that she was not at some sporting event or another. To this day not much has changed, now instead of wearing a jersey she is there providing medical care for athletes of all skill levels, keeping them on the field of play. Her eagerness to help people return to sport/activity came from dealing with her own injuries which fueled her desire to learn more about the human body along with the best ways to rehabilitate post-injury.

Over the past 10 years, Jalin has been working with a variety of athletes from all skill levels and ages. She works with teams like VI Raiders Football to Sr. B Men’s Timbermen Lacrosse to Rugby Canada’s Youth and Senior National teams.

Jalin’s treatment plans are very hands-on and personalized to the specific needs of the client. She will be with you every step of the way from injury through clinical rehabilitation back to a full return to play or activity, till you have reached your goals.

When not in the clinic you can find Jalin lacing up the skates at the rink or exploring the forests with her pup Nikko.

Lucas

Athletic Therapist & Kinesiologist

Lucas is a graduate from the Athletic and Exercise Therapy (BAET) program at Camosun College in Victoria B.C. Lucas has experience working with a range of athletes, from the weekend warrior up to national level rugby players. You will find Lucas using his knowledge of rehabilitation through a range of manual treatment and exercise therapy.

Lucas grew up snowboarding and playing competitive lacrosse, through which his love of sport and physical activity, as well as personal experience with multiple injuries led him to pursue  Athletic Therapy. Lucas saw the value of exercise therapy first hand and wants to help everybody get back to their full potential, on or off the field.

Lucas has worked as a Student Athletic Therapist with the Jr Shamrocks Lacrosse team on their way to a runner up finish at the Minto Cup, Canadas Jr National Championships. Following that season, joined Rugby Canada in their preparation for the Tokyo Olympics.

Lucas works in a goal-oriented style helping you get back to sport or just every day life as quickly and safely as possible. Whatever the end goal, he is there to help along the way.

If he isn’t at the clinic you can most likely find him mountain biking with his dog Kai up in the hills surrounding Nanaimo.

Krista

Kinesiologist

Krista Whittaker is a registered Kinesiologist located on beautiful Vancouver Island in Nanaimo, BC. She received her Bachelor of Kinesiology at UBC, completing in 2016. Krista takes pride in working with many different populations.

As an athlete herself, Krista has always had a fascination for the study of human movement and a great understanding of the human body. Krista has been able to take her passion and mold it into the career that best suits her, an industry-leading kinesiologist. Putting people and relationships first, Krista builds on this to ensure positive and effective intervention.

Krista has gained over 10 years of experience working with children who have learning disabilities. She has volunteered at many different agencies including Soccer Dogs, Special Olympics, Active Start and Claro life. All of these programs have given Krista indescribable experience working with children  and a keen, unique perspective on intervention. Krista is able to build positive relationships with the kids she works with, leading to greater intervention and development. Krista leads with child-centered care, always putting the child first.

Krista is always wanting to learn more and has a constant drive for continuing education. Having her experience and knowledge, Krista has an innate ability to break down movements, apply evidence- based practice and correct movements in fun and creative ways.  She is able to restore dysfunction and/or painful movement patterns. This assists her in all the populations she works with.

When Krista is not practicing, you’ll find her reading, studying and continuing to build on her passions. Krista also likes to explore the great outdoors and does lots of camping, fishing, snowboarding and hiking. When Krista does have a spare second, she often finds herself baking in the kitchen, her specialty being chocolate, peanut butter cupcake.

Certifications

  1. BKIN – UBC (May 2016)
  2. Advanced Exercise Prescription (September 2017)
  3. Advanced Vestibular Rehabilitation ( November 2018)
  4. Behaviour Interventionist (May 2019)
  5. Functional Movement Specialist (May 2020)
  6. Soft Tissue Release Certification (November 2020)
  7. Masters of Science in Kinesiology (ongoing)
  8. Strength and Conditioning certification (ongoing)


Wildewood Health
 = When I first started my health care journey, I wanted to practice in senior health and increase independent living. This passion stemmed from my realizing how lucky I was to have all my grandparents alive and well for my childhood. I was even luckier to have two strong, intelligent, whole-hearted grandmas by my side. This is where the name comes from, Wilde being my grannies maiden name and wood being my grandmas. Having their strength, wit and love fuelling me everyday.