They’re not mutually exclusive!
When you start your flexibility journey, it can be tempting to fall into the habit of doing static stretching and nothing else. But with any physical activity, using the three pillars of fitness is necessary to stay safe and achieve your best results. These three pillars are flexibility, strength, and cardio. Today, we’ll be narrowing in on the necessity of strength training in your flexibility routine.
When we stretch, we move our joints away from their safe, neutral positions. The further we deepen into a stretch, and the further we move our joints away from their neutral positions, the more vulnerable they become.
Let me give an example: a very big and very friendly dog is running towards you to jump up and give you a kiss. How would you position your body to safely take the impact? With a slight bend in the knees, feet hip width apart, and shoulders squared. Your muscles (especially your core!) are tense and activated. This sturdy stance brings all of your joints to a neutral position where your muscles can best protect them, and the natural mechanics of your body are able to safely take the impact.
Now, imagine the same situation, but instead the friendly dog is running at you and you’re in a straight-leg forward fold, or midway through lowering into a middle split. Are you scared for your knees? Me too.
So what does strength training have to do with all of this? Well, when your joints are in a vulnerable position, it’s important for the rest of your body to remain as strong and stable as possible. Falling in a stretched stance is much more dangerous for our joints than falling in a neutral stance. Practicing strength training is key to improving our sturdiness and stability, in turn protecting our joints when they’re at their most vulnerable!
As your flexibility grows, it’s important to grow your strength as well. You want to remain stable and in control of your motions, even at your fullest range of motion.
In my classes, I always incorporate some strength training, however, if you’re looking for an extra stability booster, I highly recommend booking a strength-orientated Private with me, or trying out my class, To the Core. If you’re interested in getting stronger, checkout these offerings here.
Movement cannot happen without our joints, so let’s keep them safe!