Should I Stretch, Strengthen, or Loosen?

As with most vexing questions, the answer is not simple. As a jumping-off point, let's begin with this fact: In order for our bodies to function well we need some stretchiness, some strength, and some ability to relax. 

Let's use the breath as a beautiful example. If you'll indulge me, please look away from this screen for a few moments (you can do it!) and take some easy breaths . . .

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Within each breath you'll notice that you need a bit of strength to flex your diaphragm and take-in air, your ribs and surrounding soft tissues need to stretch to allow the air to enter your lungs, and you need to relax your diaphragm to allow the air to pass out from your lungs into your surroundings. Try it again and notice. . .

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Of strength, stretching, and relaxation, the most overlooked of the three is the third, which perhaps shouldn't surprise anyone since we live in a society full of intense people doing intense things with intense feeling. 

So, let's begin with relaxation: We are wonderfully dynamic beings. When one part of our body needs to shorten (which requires strength), the opposing side must relax to allow for the shortening. Think of your bicep and tricep muscles: when you want to flex your elbow your bicep must engage and your tricep must relax. If your muscles can't relax and "be floppy", the usefulness of stretchiness and strength diminishes. When you see athletes shaking out their muscles, one thing they are doing is encouraging their muscles to relax and be floppy. 

Strength and stretching are more familiar concepts in the world of conditioning. Muscles and soft tissues that are chronically shortened can often benefit from stretching to allow the body to move efficiently and healthfully. Muscles that are underused due to habits, posture, or a lack of awareness can often benefit from strengthening. 

People with "loose joints" tend to benefit from expert-informed strengthening, while those with "tight joints" tend to benefit from expert-informed stretching.

Your body and your body's history are unique, and thus your needs in terms of strength, stretching, and loosening are also unique. A rule of thumb is that some combination of all three is better than focusing only on one or two. Another rule of thumb is: if it hurts don't do it, and if the pain worsens over time, seek medical advice. (Note: sometimes stretching and strength training can be intense or even momentarily painful, but it should always go away once you stop the exercise.)

Photo Credit: Wolf Art

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