You’ll often hear this phrase in the fitness and rehab world, and static stretching is not a tool we use in AiM. I’ve highlighted in case studies on this website instances where stretching can actually be counterproductive - when muscles are 'long and tight' for example. If you think of “tight” as “taut,” it makes more sense: stretching a taut muscle may aggravate it further. The imbalance usually exists because of poor function or alignment, with lack of flexibility or tightness being the consequence, not the cause.​

​

But labeling all stretching as harmful is just as unhelpful. Stretching, yoga, Pilates, and strength training are all tools that when used in the right context and at the right volume, can support better movement and healthier muscles.

​

Many who excel at the physical side of yoga are naturally flexible or even hypermobile. Ironically, they’re the ones who need strength and stability work to protect their joints, rather than chasing more flexibility. But for the average person, stiffness and reduced mobility are far more common issues and your body will thank you for stepping on the mat to give it a little TLC.

​

Yoga is so much more than just stretching. It has profound effects on the nervous system and is a powerful, accessible way to reduce stress (and far cheaper than therapy!). For most of us in the West - tight, overworked, and over stressed - yoga is the perfect antidote, restoring balance to both body and mind. I am not what you would call a natural yogi and indeed ticked all of the above boxes, which is exactly why I started practicing!

​

For me, being “good” at yoga isn’t about mastering fancy poses. It’s about letting go of competitiveness, being present, calming my nervous system and moving my body in a way that feels good.

Doing the splits won’t change my daily life, but letting go of the idea that I need to do the splits absolutely will.

​

Join me on the mat to unwind — both literally and figuratively.