Primal Primer 7 (Modality)
Yoga like practices originate in the Indus Valley civilizations dating back 5,000-3,500 years ago, whereby seals depicting figures in meditative postures suggest proto-yogic techniques. 2,500 years ago, The Bhagavad Gita presented yoga as a multifaceted practice classified as yoga’s of action, devotion, knowledge. At root, the peoples of this region discovered and understood the power of regimented movement (mobility & flexibility); developing a training technology that challenged and cured many domains in a timeless form that is still available today.
Mobility and flexibility work primes the body for movement and increase recovery. Mobility defined as actively moving joints through ranges of motion; often with the intent of going to end ranges. Flexibility (static stretching) defined as passively moving joints through ranges of motion with emphasis on releasing / lengthening through neurological inhibition of nerve reflexes. Mobility is a great tool for preparing the body for action prior to a workout; especially when highly correlated to movement patterns in workout or sport. Although flexibility training should not be done prior to heavy strength training, it can be helpful post workout or during rest days for resetting length tension relationships between complementary muscles systems. Practicing flexibility is also notable in working out muscle knots (collagen fibers forming protective nodules from trauma and healing). Mobility and flexibility paired in yoga is also an exemplary strategy for strengthening, healing, and meditating.
~Cave Implementation~
Practice mobility & flexibility everyday. Both can be intermittently practiced for short intervals during work breaks, while taking standing conference calls, or before or after workouts in the form of active readiness / recovery. Do what feels good: work on tight musculature that is chronically flexed from sitting, or target areas that will be of focus for the upcoming workout. Mobility & flexibility doesn’t necessarily need to be done for extensive amounts of time (unless focusing on rehab, pre-hab, or yoga); but is a powerful technology to tap into for immense benefits of mind and body.
Be A Supple Sapien.
