10/19/2024
THE REAL REASON YOUโRE FEELING STIFF โ AND HOW TO FIX IT โ
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Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds & supports every muscle, nerve, & organ in the body. As a three-dimensional, fibrous network of specialized "stretchy" tissue, fascia varies in texture & thickness throughout the body. It forms our largest uninterrupted system, interlacing every inch of us from head to toe. Without this internal scaffolding, weโd collapse into a heap!
Keeping fascia flexible & healthy is essential for youthful movement & preventing stiffness. Fast movements can prevent hydration from reaching deep layers of fascia, which is essential for loosening the entire body. Connective tissue needs slow, deliberate movements to stay hydrated & maintain flexibility. Just as squeezing a damp sponge ๐งฝ moves moisture from one place to another, the act of stretching pushes fascial liquid from areas where it may have congealed, dispersing the fluids, keeping the tissue moist & pliable, & refreshing other neglected areas of our connective tissue that donโt have adequate hydration.
When fascia becomes dehydrated & stuck, it can make you feel stiff & sluggish. If we donโt move enough for weeks or months, our fascia reshapes itself around our sedentary habits. Later, when we try to strengthen these areas, theyโre limited by the tight, glued-down tissue.
Essentrics targets both superficial & deep tissues in the body to reshape & rejuvenate your fascia ๐ Through the dynamic combination of our stretching & strengthening exercises, your fascia will stay flexible, hydrated, & healthy. These exercises gently tug on the connective tissue sheaths surrounding each muscle cell, helping to liberate interlocked cells. With as little as 23-minutes of focused stretching, you can release tight fascia, rehydrate tissues, & rebuild collagen fibers, restoring fluidity & bounce to your body.
Reshaping your fascia may take many months or even a year, but gentle daily Essentrics workouts will help release the glued-up connective tissue. Once unglued, your muscles will rapidly strengthen throughout your entire range of motion, & youโll be able to move freely again!
