It might sound a bit unusual, but growing up, I had the dream to one day being able to bend forward with both my legs and back perfectly straight.
I know, it's a pretty unique dream! But with my dad being a yogi and me becoming a yoga teacher, maybe it all makes sense in the end! 😊
This is why it feels quite natural to start my first blog with a focus on flexibility in yoga. Many people start yoga to improve their flexibility. For us Westerners, seeking a flexible body often translates to wanting better mobility, which is crucial for maintaining health and comfort as we age.
For many yogis however, flexibility serves a deeper purpose : it helps the energy channels (the nadis) flow freely without restrictions in the joints. When the body is flexible and the joints are open, energy moves more smoothly, leading to improved physical and mental well-being.
So, what's the secret to improving flexibility?
The answer is quite simple: it involves stretching relaxed muscles through slow, gradual movements.
Muscles can be in three states:
Contraction: When the muscle shortens to facilitate movement, as seen in gymnastics.
Tonus: The normal, awake state of the muscle, ready to contract at any time.
Relaxation: When the muscle is relaxed, as during sleep or relaxation exercises in yoga.
Yoga introduces a fourth state: Stretching. Unlike the other states, a muscle can't stretch on its own; it requires external action. This stretching is key to yoga postures (asanas) and must be approached with care to be effective.
Unlike a rubber band, muscles stretch slowly and progressively when relaxed. While sudden stretching can cause injuries, a steady, gradual approach is both safe and beneficial.
Stretching not only improves flexibility but also boosts blood circulation by clearing out old blood and allowing fresh blood to nourish and cleanse the muscles. This repeated stretching gradually increases flexibility by pushing the natural limits of muscle elasticity.
Conclusion
To get the most out of your asanas, it’s essential to stay focused and fully relax your muscles before stretching. This concentration is also a great mental exercise. Before each pose, ensure you’re relaxed, use minimal muscle effort, breathe normally, and stretch slowly. After each pose, take a moment to fully relax and breathe deeply before moving on to the next one. Yoga is all about patience and moving with intention.
Good luck!
Note: I will soon be on Instagram to show you how my dream is unfolfing! Believe it or not, I am getting there!
(Nope it's not me on the picture) 😉
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