Understanding the difference between flexibility and mobility can can be a confusing subject, and is something that I've been interested in lately. Coming from a dance and gymnastics background, I have always been naturally flexible. What I've learned after teaching yoga for almost 20 years now, flexibility is not necessarily the best approach, nor is it sustainable as we age. So, what can we do?
The first thing to understand is that flexibility is considered passive, whereas mobility is more dynamic and active. When you stretch passively, it is important not to overdo the stretch, as this can put more load or strain into the connective tissues. With mobility, it is more of a controlled range of motion, which takes into consideration balance, strength, stability and coordination.
This is particularly important when dealing with injuries and chronic pain. Over stretching can lead to more compensation patterns, and can cause weakness.
Let's use a basic lunge as an example here. If you are quite flexible, it is easy to fall into your joints, and make it appear that you are deeply stretching your back hip flexor and quad. However, if you back off a little bit, create stability, and activate your back leg gluteus muscles, you will actually feel a more effective stretch, and from a place of stability. In the long term, this approach will teach us to pay attention to sensations, rather than the aesthetic of a pose.
It's hard to believe a yoga teacher saying this, but sometimes tighter bodies actually do better because they are less likely to over stretch, and more likely to feel sensations. Flexible bodies tend to stretch too deeply because they don't necessarily feel anything. This causes long term issues with tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
Join me to explore this concept in a variety of ways!
Namasté.
See you on your mat!