When was the last time you watched a child move? They run and play and bend themselves into all sorts of shapes and positions. They climb without thinking about how to get down and they tumble with reckless abandon. Now, when was the last time you moved with such ease? Do you think it's time to work towards being able to do so? It may not be quick or even easy, but it is possible for most of us to regain some (if not all) of our mobility.
Here are some tips on how to get started.
1) Move More! Sounds simple because it is. If you have a seated job, or you sit at home a lot, get up every 30-60 minutes. Just the act of standing, walking around, or stretching and twisting is enough to get some blood circulation going.
2) Expand on current movement! If you already work out or exercise in some way, change up your routine. Add in some mobility movements. Look into things like Controlled Articular Rotations which are a great way to work towards better ranges of motion.
3) Play with your movements! When you stretch, do just think in one direction. Play around and see how you can change a stretch with a twist or a bend. For example, if you bring your foot towards your backside to stretch the quads, you can shift the heel closer to the center of your body and feel the difference in the stretch. Then shift the heel further away from the center and feel the difference there.
Bottom line, every little change, done consistently, can make a huge difference in the long run. Start now and see how much better you feel in 6-12 months. Be more childlike. Play with movement and shapes. And when you get to where you want to be, come back and let me know how it goes! I would love to hear about your progress.
