All these things work against us in what we are trying to achieve.
In resistance training we use this to illicit growth in our
muscles.
Working hard for something often develops us as a person.
Although, when it comes to our joints, tendons, muscles and bones we need as little resistance as possible as we move our bodies.
I remember when I was pretty unconditioned, I just assumed that my body moved as it did to the positions it did and that was it.
Ten or so years later following an evolution of training and learning I've built a body that has a bigger ROM (Range of Motion) at nearly every joint.
Ask anyone who follows yoga, Pilates, gymnastics or works their body regularly if they notice a difference in everyday life and they will light up with anecdotes on how much quicker and easier life is and in turn how much more energy they have
Our motor cortex is the system by which our brains link to the muscles
and bones to create movement.
Movement makes us healthy as wel well know, however in return it actually improves our brains in return.
Studies have linked issues of development In behaviour in children to issues in movement development as they grow.
Notice the difference in the little people in your life when they haven't been exercised anyone?!
Having better propioreception means we have a better awareness of where our bodies are in space.
We become less
clumsy!
Being able to reach the shelf to grab a teabag with one arm without having to take a step closer may not sound like much time saved.
Being able to twist at the torso that little bit further round as you look behind to reverse the car so you don't have to grab the other seat to pull yourself round to see may also not seem like much time or effort saved.
However, think through the thousands of movements you do each day.
From brushing your teeth to walking the
dog, every one of those movements need energy.
Tighter joints, muscles and tendons slow every single one of these movements down and this resistance, over time can even cause chronic injuries as our bodies optimum movement is compromised.
Think how an old,
rusty, bent and broken bicycle would ride compared to a slick, well lubricated new one!
Mobility, flexibility, supple muscles and optimal ROM on every part of our bodies is the ultimate place to start when we jump into training.
It is why the first few sessions with a new client is ALL about where
there body is in its current situation and where the biggest improvements in movement and mobility are we can make.
The first 15-20 minutes of every subsequent session is always mobilty work.
I've also seen already strong dudes add Kgs to there big lifts just by
taking some extra time on what they call the 'stretchy stuff'!
- Can you roll your shoulders 360 degrees without sticky points?
- Can you kneel totally upright and reach arms overhead with no bending in the upper back?
- Can you hang from something with no pain in shoulders?
Think back to all those tiny movements you do across the day. Take note today of any resistance you feel as you go about your day and where could that improve.
I have written many times on how a quick mobility session should be done as often as brushing your teeth.
I would even go so far as to say that it is MORE important than that. You can get teeth fixed...however, let your body lose mobility and there is eventually a point of no return where even surgery won't help.
To keep a healthy mind and body put some time and effort to keeping both
healthy...every day!
J
