In the first episode of the EMPWR Series I talk with Exercise Scientist, Dr. Michael Hutchison from the University of Toronto. Dr. Hutchison aka “Hutch” is a big hockey fan and has done some incredible work in the hockey world. We discuss the phasing out of the “dark room” and the incredible recovery tool, exercise. We discuss how and when to utilize exercise in concussion recovery. We discuss the benefits of exercise on the brain from a hormonal and behavioural level. We even get into the specifics on what exactly is the right form of exercise for each individual as it is not one size fits all. Too many people in the concussion space set themselves up for failure with exercise instead of success. Dr. Hutchison believes the problem lies in type and level of exercise chosen. Lastly, the most powerful message in this episode is that exercise comes in many different forms. If you choose the right type for you, the chances of harm or “set-backs” are extremely low. I am so excited to kick this series off with exercise; something that I believe did and continues to empower my neurological well-being.