Summer in Vancouver is the season for activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, and making the most of every moment outside. But with more activity comes more need for strength, stability, and avoiding injury. That‘s where strength training enters the picture.

At North Shore Sports Medicine, we believe that strength and movement is the key to maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. To keep you moving your best all throughout summer, we‘re excited to introduce our circuit-based group class: Stronger for Summer, led by Kinesiologist Marianne Tout.

Why Strength Training Matters—Especially During Summer

While strength training is important year-round, summer presents a unique opportunity to take advantage of greater daylight, warm weather, and a naturally more active routine. Here are some reasons you should prioritize strength this season:

1. Seasonal Injury Prevention

Greater activity like hiking, paddleboarding, beach volleyball, or gardening means greater stress placed on your muscles and joints. Strength training builds resistance in the body by:

• Building joint stability
• Building muscle balance
• Preserving tendon and ligament health
  

This helps prevent common Summer injuries like ankle sprains, knee strain, low back pain, and shoulder overuse injuries.

2. Performance Gains Across All Movement

Whether you’re heading up the Grouse Grind or chasing your kids on the beach, strength is what powers every motion. Strength training enhances:

• Power and endurance for climbing, running, or cycling
• Balance and agility for trail navigation and uneven surfaces
• Core control for lifting, twisting, and dynamic movement

Before long, it becomes apparent to quantify improvement in daily function and athletic performance with enhanced strength developed gradually.

3. Enhanced Posture & Movement Patterns

Between work, commuting, or on our devices, we spend a great deal of time sitting down. This can lead to:

• Weak glutes and core
• Tight hips and shoulders
• Poor movement mechanics

Strength training involves postural muscles, aids in mobility, and re-establishes good patterns of movement. This makes it easier to move safely and effectively as you increase your time outdoors.

4. Mental Health & Confidence

Exercise has been proven to support mental health, and strength training in particular has been linked with:

• Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety
• Improved sleep and mental functioning
• Greater sense of confidence and competence
  

5. Consistency Trumps Intensity

You don‘t have to lift heavy or train like a pro to notice results. Consistency, proper form, and functional movements do the trick when it comes to supporting your body. That‘s why group classes taught by trained instructors such as our Stronger for Summer class can be so impactful

Meet: Stronger for Summer

Led by Kinesiologist Marianne Tout, this 60-minute circuit class will strengthen your upper body, core, and legs to move at their best in your summer activities.

You‘ll get:

• Guided instruction with proper technique and form corrections
• Functional, full-body movements to help you move better, not just lift heavier
• A motivating, supportive atmosphere for all levels
• Exercises adapted for your needs, whether you’re easing back into activity or pushing for new goals

Class Details
When: Saturdays, 9:00–10:00 AM
Where: NSSM Brooksbank Clinic | 340 Brooksbank Ave North Vancouver, BC
Led by: Marianne Tout, Kinesiologist
⏱ Length: 60 minutes

Who Should Attend?
This class is ideal if you:

• Are seeking to avoid injury and aid your summer lifestyle
• Prioritize professional guidance over solo gym trips
• Want safe modifications and accurate instruction tailored to your goals

Ready to Be Stronger This Summer? Book online here or call our clinic at 604-973-0242

Curious about other ways to prevent injuries this Summer? Read our blog Summer Prep: Injury Prevention Tips for Outdoor Activities