It has been said that to be human is to be adaptable. And, yet, we all seem to find great comfort in the known and in times like these when there is such disruption to norms we can find ourselves in a place that we contract into. Rather than embrace our adaptable selves, we allow the circumstances to place limits on our lives.
Now, before you jump to some conclusion that I am suggesting you disregard safety, let me say two words: Joseph Pilates. As the story goes, the originator of the exercise program that would be named after him developed his approach with minimal equipment as he was being held in an internment camp in England during the war.
Many of you reading this might be surprised to hear me use Pilates as a reference - due to my philosophical differences with some of the practice - but I think that it is a wonderful example of how an individual worked within the circumstances he was given. And as this month we are focusing on the Flexibility Key, I could think of no easier Key to integrate into daily practice since it can be done anywhere and even at home.
There are many ways to stretch and while there are times when resistant muscles will require a more aggressive approach involving massage and/or passive stretching, there can be much to gain by just taking your body through fuller range movements. The simple practice of consistently moving through a full range of motion can be very effective at maintaining range which is why the effort in this Key can really be quite minimal for the benefits. And if you desire greater benefits, like regaining lost range of motion, those gains can be realized through consistent practice of greater effort.
Perhaps the obvious point is the required consistency. You can make great changes but your body will only adapt as it is required to adapt. Dedicate some time and effort to your flexibility, because it can definitely make a difference in how you move, feel and live.
And, as always, let me know how I can help.
Adam
Now, before you jump to some conclusion that I am suggesting you disregard safety, let me say two words: Joseph Pilates. As the story goes, the originator of the exercise program that would be named after him developed his approach with minimal equipment as he was being held in an internment camp in England during the war.
Many of you reading this might be surprised to hear me use Pilates as a reference - due to my philosophical differences with some of the practice - but I think that it is a wonderful example of how an individual worked within the circumstances he was given. And as this month we are focusing on the Flexibility Key, I could think of no easier Key to integrate into daily practice since it can be done anywhere and even at home.
There are many ways to stretch and while there are times when resistant muscles will require a more aggressive approach involving massage and/or passive stretching, there can be much to gain by just taking your body through fuller range movements. The simple practice of consistently moving through a full range of motion can be very effective at maintaining range which is why the effort in this Key can really be quite minimal for the benefits. And if you desire greater benefits, like regaining lost range of motion, those gains can be realized through consistent practice of greater effort.
Perhaps the obvious point is the required consistency. You can make great changes but your body will only adapt as it is required to adapt. Dedicate some time and effort to your flexibility, because it can definitely make a difference in how you move, feel and live.
And, as always, let me know how I can help.
Adam
RSS Feed
