I'm not flexible

​If I had a dollar for every time someone has said this to me over my career, I'd be a millionaire!

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I'm not flexible.

I find this statement intriguing and wonder what is the data or rationale one uses to define whether or not they are flexible.

I find it interesting that we describe ourselves in terms of what I am not. Have you every heard someone say, "I am inflexible?" Typically it is the former rather than the latter.

Also, rather than saying my body is not flexible or my hip is not flexible, we assign it to ourselves like it is a personal fault. Would you agree that it is another way to say something is wrong with me? It is likely we've come so accustom to the statement that it rolls right out of our mouths.

Let's clear the air for a moment and define what is actually working and not working in your body instead of a singular blanked statement of I am not flexible.

Flexibility is defined as the range of motion around a joint or a group of joints. It is important for both joint health and for body positioning in certain activities. Imagine reaching for your seat belt before you start to drive or bending down to pick something up off the floor. It can also assist in strength development when an external load is applied to the muscles surrounding the joint.

Flexibility can be improved by conducting appropriate stretching exercises. Yay! It is possible to move and improve joint function!!!

Flexibility is highly dependent on the structure of your joint.

Boney structures, muscle elasticity, ligaments and other structures associated with the joint capsule as well as tendons, connective tissue, and skin elasticity will influence flexibility.

The joint capsule and muscle elasticity will contribute to the greatest responsiveness at the joint.

Other factors to consider are:
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1. the ability of the muscles around the joint are able to relax and contract
2. the temperature of the joint and associated tissues, and
3. the presence of a previous injury at the joint.

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All in all, whether you think you are flexible or not, there are numerous factors at play.

I encourage you to consider the way you define your flexibility and the factors at play in your joints.

If you know what is working and not working and are unsure what to do next, I would be honoured to work with you. 

Stay well and happy moving,
Lisa​