(and what to do about it)
If you’ve got hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), you’ve probably noticed that your body feels very different depending on the weather. One day, you’re super bendy and your tricks feel effortless; the next, you’re stiff, achy, and wondering if you’ve ever even done a split before. Add pole or aerial training into the mix, and those seasonal shifts can really throw you off.
So why does this happen? And more importantly, what can you do about it?
Why weather messes with joints:
Science hasn’t given us one simple answer (annoying, I know), but here’s what many of us notice:
- Before rain or storms: Joints can ache more because changes in air pressure affect the tissues around them.
- Cold weather: Muscles tighten up, circulation slows, and joints just feel less stable.
- Hot & humid weather: You might feel extra floppy, tired, or find your grip unreliable.
Basically, the seasons can exaggerate what hypermobility already does to our bodies.
How it affects Pole & Aerialists:
If you’re training with hypermobility or EDS, you might notice:
- Shoulders, hips, or knees slipping or “giving way” more often.
- Feeling stiffer in winter and super bendy in summer (consistency can be tricky!).
- Grip changing with the weather — dry, slippy hands in winter; sticky or sweaty in summer.
- Fatigue hitting harder than usual, especially when the weather flips.
What you can do about it:
The good news is, there are loads of small tweaks that make a big difference:
- Warm up longer when it’s cold: Don’t rush straight into tricks. Mobility, bands, and light conditioning will protect your joints.
- Keep your body warm: Layers, leg warmers, compression sleeves… not just for aesthetics!
- Train strength at your end ranges: Stability is everything for hypermobility. Pilates Reformer, resistance training, and controlled pole drills all help.
- Adjust your grip aids with the season: Experiment until you find what works in different conditions.
- Track your patterns: Keep a little log. You’ll start to see when flare-ups happen, which makes it easier to plan sessions around them.
Hypermobility and EDS don’t mean you can’t train pole or aerial, but weather changes can make things feel unpredictable. By paying attention to your body and making smart adjustments, you’ll keep yourself safer and more consistent on the pole, no matter what’s happening outside.
Warm regards,
Jane x
Chartered Physiotherapist & Founder of Pole Kinetics PT
