The Focus of Your Yoga Experience
Hello, fellow yogi! It does not matter if you are an experienced yogi or new to the world of asanas, we can all agree to gaining flexibility and mobility are essential in yoga practice. And before you think we are going to suggest you do the deepest backbend or spin into super impressive poses, we invite you to think of how flexibility and mobility can add value to all aspects of your life (and not just to yoga)!
What is the difference?
First, let’s talk about what we mean by gaining flexibility and mobility. While the two words may seem interchangeable, they represent different concepts in regards to our capacity to move.
Flexibility refers to stretching our muscles and tendons. If you think of flexibility as gradually stretching a rubber band so it can reach its full length.
On the other hand, mobility refers to the full potential of movement around a joint. Think of your hip joints like the hinges of a door. If a door is not lubricated or aligned properly, it will not swing open!
In a nutshell, flexibility is simply how far a muscle can stretch, and mobility is the range of movement about a joint. You will see that yoga incorporates both aspects of your body working together in a flowing and balanced way.
The Advantages of Improved Flexibility and Mobility
Okay, let’s be honest for a moment, many of us walk into the yoga studio hoping we leave looking a little more graceful and a lot more bendy. Yet, what we discover in our yoga practice is that the benefits are much bigger than just the physical. Here’s why you should work on your flexibility and mobility:
- Prevention of Injuries: We have all heard that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” A greater range of flexibility and mobility means greater tolerance and resistance against injury, whether on the mat or off. A deep lunge will help your hamstrings and hip flexors stretch out before you strain or sprain them.
- Better Posture: Is the desk job taking a toll on your body? Yoga helps combat the slumped shoulders and tight neck muscles from sitting at a desk too long. Your practice will address your posture, which will make you feel taller, and aligned.
- Improved performance: Whether you’re a runner, a dancer, or just enjoy the occasional tennis match, increased flexibility will increase your performance. Flexibility allows your body to move freely and easily so you can hit, jump and spin without restriction.
- Mind-body connection: Yoga is more than just bending and stretching. It is also a moving meditation. By concentrating on your breath and listening to your body, you can create a stronger connection between your brain and the physical self, allow clarity of thinking, and eliminate the stress of everyday life.
Tips to Improve Flexibility and Mobility
If you’re excited to achieve all of the benefits that greater flexibility and mobility can bring to your yoga practice, you may be interested in some tips to implement flexibility and mobility into your practice:
- Warm Up: A warm-up is always beneficial to your body! Some gentle movement and stretching before getting into deeper poses will make all the difference!
- Breathe: Breath is your best friend in yoga. Slow, steady, deep breathing will allow your body to relax, release tension with each exhalation and increase the capacity for better flexibility.
- Slow Down: If you find a stretch that feels good, hang out there a bit longer! You want to feel good, so no hurry! The longer you hold a stretch or pose, the more your muscles can relax and give into to the stretch.
- Try Things That Are Different: If your yoga practice normally consists of one type of yoga, maybe it is time to try something different! Yin yoga involves longer holds and deeper stretching. While vinyasa can also create great dynamic movement for mobility.
- Listen To Your Body: We all have different bodies so know your own limits. It is okay if you cannot touch your toes yet! Appreciate the little victories instead of comparing yourself to everyone in the room.
- Consistency is Key: Just like learning to ride a bike, it takes practice for flexible and mobile bodies to be flexible and mobile. Aim for short and consistent yoga practices – even just five or ten minutes each day can create progress over time.
Conclusion: Embrace the Journey
As you embark on your continued adventure of gaining flexibility and mobility, yoga is not a competition on who can do the most extravagant fanciest poses; it is about how it makes you feel. Yoga is a personal journey that encourages you to check-in to your body and embrace each and every little inch of progress.
So roll out your yoga mat, breathe, and enjoy the ride. Over time, you will not only see a difference in your yoga practice, you will also notice you are physically moving with more ease and awareness in your day-to-day life.
Happy stretching, friends!
Discover more about YOGA AND FLEXIBILITY :- Yoga Postures for Flexibility and Strength
