Flexibility: Build a Foundation

Renee Fishman's article highlights how some yoga students, despite being very flexible, struggle with balance due to a lack of foundational stability. This can manifest as difficulty maintaining balance on one leg or moving through balance sequences. Without structure, flexibility lacks a "container," leading to misalignment. Conversely, individuals with rigid structures may struggle to gain flexibility, lacking fluency in movement. Fishman argues that flexibility without stability can lead to injury, comparing it to a house without a solid foundation. Similarly, excessive rigidity can also cause harm, like a tree breaking in a strong wind. A balanced approach incorporating both strength training and stretching is recommended for overall fitness and injury prevention. Strength training can be as effective as stretching in improving range of motion, challenging the traditional view that stretching is the primary method. Stability training can improve balance and neuromuscular control and prevent injuries.