If you want to move better, here’s the magic bullet: move any way you can.
Most (not all) of our joints move in two or three ways, and we want to be sure we can move them in all the ways they are supposed to move. But let’s say you just can’t move a joint, or a part of your body, in a certain way. So you do what any human would do and you stop moving in that way. OK, but then what?
How about this instead: move in another way. Move in a way the joint permits.
Let’s break it down.
Let’s say that raising your arm above your shoulder is a no-go zone. Too much pain when it goes any higher, or it’s just plain stuck and won’t go higher. There are all kinds of reasons why this might happen. Maybe you know why and maybe you never will. But ask yourself, will knowing why I can’t move something make it move better? Hmmmm….maybe, maybe not.
Instead, shift the focus to what you CAN do. Can you roll your shoulder in a circle – up – back – down – forward? Can you lean forward and dangle your arms and then swing them lazily around? Cross them over one another like scissors? Can you tuck your fists in your armpits and do the chicken dance flappy thing? Can you clasp your hands behind your back? Can you do “Stick ’em up, Cowboy” arms? “Wax on, wax off”?
Get the idea?
And here is what is even more magical. Moving in the ways you can move often helps you improve mobility in the area that’s problematic. Yup. Movement will improve circulation of healthy fluids in that joint, help unstick fascia and build muscle. (And over time, reduce pain. Now that’s magical…)
Key: go gently into this little exploration. Be kind to those joints.
We’re officially entering the Holiday Season. You may be more active at this time of year, or maybe you sit around more. Whatever this season’s demands and opportunities, move however you can. And have fun.
Here’s my Holiday gift to you all – with my thanks for your support, feedback and interest in my work. A gift full of GREAT MOVES that keeps on giving!
