The CPC Favourite Things List
In the spirit of giving this holiday season, we took a page out of the book of Oprah, and compiled a list of our favourite things. We may not be giving away cars and expensive eye creams like Ms. Winfrey once did this time of year, but keep reading and you might just find a few gems that are even better – tips and tricks from our practitioner team to help you stay active this winter and improve your health!
The Comox Physio Favourite Things List
Favourite Lower Body Stretch
Iwona: One of my favourite lower body stretches is a pigeon pose from yoga.
Link to a short video is here.
Favourite Upper Body Stretch
Emily: This is less of a stretch and more of a movement re-education activity I do with a lot of people - scapular setting! You can do this exercise virtually anywhere. I often suggest 5-10 repetitions, 3 times per day as tolerated.
For the video I usually send people, click here.
Favourite Healthy Holiday Recipe
Shannon: I love Smitten Kitchen for all kinds of recipes and enjoy the commentary on each recipe, too. The recipe I’m sharing is a glazed apple cider doughnut cake. It’s festive, easy, makes your home smell amazing, and is vegan. No eggs or dairy and tastes so yummy!
Find it here.
Favourite Upper Body Strength Exercise
Stephanie: I like the TRX Single Arm Row!
A video for it is here.
Favourite Lower Body Strength Exercise
Cynthia: I like a slow sit to stand. It’s super simple and you can do it without or with weight. I suggest this for my 50+ clients especially.
Find it at the 6:55 minute mark here.
Favourite Outdoor Winter Activity
Rachel: I am SO not a winter sport person, but if I had to choose an outdoor winter activity, it would have to be snowshoeing! I love that it allows me to explore new areas that I might not get to hiking, and makes areas I have travelled before look brand new! Also, getting cozy by a fire with a warm beverage afterwards doesn't hurt.
Info on snowshoeing at Mount Washington can be found here.
Favourite Indoor Winter Activity
Jodi: My family and I spend a lot of time at the WIP rock climbing gym during the rainy months. It’s a great space for both beginner and experienced climbers. Pro tip: check out the real-time climber count online before you head there to see how busy the facility is.
More info can be found here.
Favourite Piece of Home Exercise Equipment Under $30
Dianne: I have a few items I like…
A racquetball for releasing tight muscle
A yoga mat for weight bearing exercises or yoga poses
Theraband for strengthening exercises for the upper and lower body
Favourite Book/Podcast/Online source About Health or Fitness
Cassie: My favourite podcast by far is Ologies with Ali Ward. It's not technically a health podcast, but it’s a science podcast that often covers health topics. For example,
https://www.alieward.com/ologies/dolorology (paediatric chronic pain)
https://www.alieward.com/ologies/postviralepidemiology (long Covid)
https://www.alieward.com/ologies/neuropathoimmunology (MS)
Ali does amazing interviews and always manages to find people who are very passionate about what they do and research. The interviews are always entertaining and I learn something every episode... another healthy thing to do.
My favourite health specific podcast is Hit Play, Not Pause, a podcast that covers issues specific to perimenopause/menopause and active women…like me.
Favourite Way to De-Stress When Life Gets Overwhelming
Jacqui: This is a very fitting question given I have 2 young boys and the Christmas season is fast approaching! For myself, I really find a lot of stress relief from a challenging morning workout at home, usually accompanied by an upbeat playlist and followed by a delicious cup of coffee.
You can find a good playlist here.
Although, during the holiday season, I can also be found curled up on the couch, with the Christmas tree lights on, a warm cup of hot chocolate, and watching a Christmas movie or two to de-stress in the evenings, too!
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