Return to Play Plans

“We made it clear that compliance with public health guidelines was non-negotiable. But we realized that there were tonnes of things that were negotiable – class times, set up, the streamlining of intake processes – where we could be innovative and create the best experience for our members.” Stuart McReynolds, President & CEO of the…

Yoga and Health

A new study found yoga improves symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, a condition characterized by chronic nervousness and worry. According to the study’s lead author, “This study suggests that at least short-term there is significant value for people with generalized anxiety disorder to give yoga a try to see if it works for them. Yoga…

Return to Contact Sports

Researchers from the University of Bath warn there may be an increased risk of injury for athletes returning to contact sports after prolonged training restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on parallels from the 2011 National Football League 20-week lockout where frequent injuries were observed after returning to competition, the researchers recommend building individualized…

Digital Overload

A steady stream of remote meetings or online classes can become exhausting as the pandemic wears on, according to experts at the University of Alberta. Avoid digital overload by taking breaks away from screens, avoiding multitasking during meetings, and setting up informal online group drop-ins.

Returning to Play…Better

When the initial shock of the COVID-19 lockdown passed, the attention of our sector turned to contemplating what sport and physical activity would look like in an era of public health restrictions. The development and implementation of return to play plans, driven by a commitment to sport organizations’ members and the practicality of long-term sustainability,…

Back to School Stress

For parents/guardians and children, levels of anxiety and stress surrounding back to school plans may be high. Researchers from the University of Calgary recommend honest and open discussions and the use of the “name-it-to-tame-it” strategy to support a positive back to school transition.

Updated Obesity Guidelines

Updated Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines redefine obesity as “a chronic disease characterized by excessive or abnormal body fat that impairs health”. The new guidelines were developed, in part, to address weight bias and stigmas which are often fueled by misconceptions about obesity, its causes, measurement, and impacts on health.

JUMP IN for Heart Health

Heart disease is the number one killer of women over 35 worldwide, accounting for more deaths every year than all cancers combined. However, 80% of risk factors, including physical activity, are within a woman’s power to change. The University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation’s September JUMP IN for Women’s Heart Health campaign invites participants to…

Bringing a Trauma-Sensitive Focus into Children’s Active Play

It’s September – a traditional time of transition. This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, children are confronting significant change and uncertainty. Children are at elevated risks of negative physical and mental health consequences for several reasons (Chanchlani et al., 2020). First, school, daycare, and community programming closures in March 2020 resulted in potential loss…

Tracking Your Physical Activity

Keeping track of your physical activity is one of the best ways to stick to a plan and improve your fitness. Use a journal to record the date, time of day and duration of activity, or go high-tech and use a pedometer, smartwatch, smartphone or GPS device to record the step count, minutes or distance…