Are you prepping your tissues to stretch safely and effectively?

Q: Is the move in this photo a “stretch”? 

A: No! 

While the muscles will benefit, it is a secondary result of what we call 2-Directional Length moves in MELT Method. We use proper body positioning and breath to achieve an equal amount of tension between any two given joints. The result is hydrated, balanced tissue which glides over the muscle and allows for greater range of motion. 

So what does hydrated tissue look like? 

Think about beef tenderloin versus beef jerky. Which one is hydrated? The tenderloin of course. The layers of fascia are visible, the deeper layers of muscle which are blood rich and the upmost layer which is white. This layer can be pulled as it contains elastin, collagen, and is water-rich. 

And jerky? All of the layers are combined into one, because it is DEHYDRATED specifically to make it this way! 

When our bodies resemble tenderloin we have freedom in movement, more athletic power and performance, improved balance and posture, less pain, etc.

When we are like jerky, we feel stiff after standing up from a chair, we feel stiff, and risk more soft tissue injuries. 

So which are you? Tenderloin or jerky? 🍖🥓🤭

The second part of balanced tissue is called “Tensegrity”(Tension+ Integrity). Tension is not necessarily a bad thing, when EQUALLY distributed. Some people have a lot of dehydration in the connective tissues, others just in certain areas which can lead to feeling “tight”. And, there are also some people who lack optimal tension “hypermobile”. And of course lots of people in between!

Regardless of where your body lands on the spectrum, these moves reestablish proper tension without risk of damage to tissues, ligaments, or tendons. We create the stability needed to then safely move into our flexibility and mobility practices, which our muscles and joints need. 

I hope to see ALL of you, the tenderloins, the jerkys, and the in-betweens in class soon! (Sorry vegetarians and vegans- I wish I had an alternate analogy 😬)

💦Thursdays 

9:30-10:30 EST

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Roller, Band, Balls required