Seasonal Training and Injury
Miss Robyn Truluck
Sport and Exercise Therapist/ Musculoskeletal Specialist
Over the years, I have seen many different training and fitness patterns emerge. One of the most consistent is what I call the “summer arc” of training, followed by the “winter arc.”
In the early part of the year, whether someone is starting their fitness journey for the first time or continuing from previous years, training is usually consistent and progressive. Through the first few months until spring, people often work hard, building steady progress.
As summer approaches, however, these consistent habits tend to shift. School holidays, time off work, longer evenings, social events, and the pull of good weather all mean training can take a back seat. This doesn’t mean people stop altogether, nor that they’ve become lazy or disinterested. Instead, training often becomes less frequent, or is substituted for other activities. These subtle drop-offs don’t cause immediate deconditioning, but over time they reduce training load and strength capacity. This gradual shift can alter movement patterns and increase the likelihood of small niggles, stiffness, or aches. Too often, these early warning signs are ignored or dismissed.
When autumn arrives, routines tighten and people hunker down for the “winter arc.” Training usually becomes more structured, with greater consistency, higher volumes, and ambitious goals set for the season ahead. But here lies the challenge: those summer drop-offs are easy to forget. The mind remembers training at a high level, but the body may no longer be prepared to match it. This mismatch can lead to forced progression, where minor niggles turn into more serious injuries such as tears, sprains, or spasms.
The takeaway is this: there is nothing wrong with seasonal shifts in training. Fitness should adapt around life, not punish it. But recognising the impact of subtle drop-offs, and addressing them early, can prevent winter injuries from ever taking hold.
If you’ve noticed persistent niggles, stiffness, or pain, getting assessed by a sports and exercise therapist can make a huge difference. A tailored assessment highlights areas of weakness, identifies risks, and provides a structured plan to keep you training safely. Booking an assessment now could be the step that ensures your winter arc is built on progress, not setbacks.
Fitness is not about forced progression. It is about sustainable growth, resilience, and enjoying the process - season after season.
