STRETCHING YOUR PRIORITIES & YOUR HAMSTRINGS: SUBURBIA HAS SPOKEN

I've been in the suburbs this month and decided to go to a health club for the first time since I was asked not to do yoga or kettlebells at the last health club I went to. Because back then, the fitness industry didn't think that type of movement was good for you. It's been a while. Health clubs are about as behind on wellness and movement as I'm behind on my taxes. 

So I put on my jeans and decided to get SWOLE! (I'm currently typing this with my biceps because my huge calves are busy signing autographs.)

In the process, I met really nice people, and there was a consistent conversation that would come up with everyone. 

They all wanted to stretch more, but... 

This is when the trainers would say things to motivate you to find your discipline or use some "science-based" fact. 

Facts or Values do not make change! Stop thinking it will. If they did, then fast food, smoking, or outsourcing wouldn't exist. If values changed our habits, then I wouldn't be writing this on my phone while driving.

The real facts are this:

You only have so much time.

So, how much time will you spend on stretching? It can take a long time, by the way, especially if you are over the age of 18 or used to be an athlete. Don't listen to what the "I can get you into splits in 30 days challenge" people say. You need time, can you make it? If not, I've got you. No, I don't promise you'll be in the splits by your high school reunion, but you can integrate stretching into your workouts, whether at the gym or at home. Hit me up for a one-on-one, and your training will become more efficient than a Japanese train schedule.  

You have your priorities, and they take precedence over your values. The power is in admitting that. If you are offended by this, look at your workout clothes and ask if wearing stretchy spandex, polyester, plastic, and forever chemicals all over the largest organ on your body when you're sweating and pores are open in the name of your health is good for that. Or do you like the way they make you look?  

Like buying a car. Sometimes your priority is safety, sometimes it's reliability, sometimes it's performance, and sometimes it's "will this get me chicks?" No judgments, I'm a 2008-2012 minivan lover myself, because my priority is Raw Sexuality. 

However, stretching is not always the most effective way to increase flexibility. Consider your structure. Sometimes our bodies stay tight because they are protecting something, or need more stability before they let go, like hanging on the edge of a cliff. You hold on for dear life until you feel your toe touch the ground. Then release.

Integrating "load bearing" range of motion into your training can not only build your entire body. It also builds grace, core, and function. For example, I met a guy who was doing squats. He put 200 pounds on a bar and squatted his way to Swoletown. So I asked him to face the wall and hold 20 pounds over his head. That changed his life! You can also take the "Stretching for Strongmen" course that is included in the premium membership, when I take one of the world's strongest men through some tweaks to improve his flexibility. He loved it; we made his session available for members.

Knowing your priorities is super important here. So, ask yourself five times, using the 6/3/6 method if needed. 
What are my priorities for my health? 

The first few times you'll give standard answers, you need to dig deeper. Find your motivations and priorities. I do this with all my one-on-one clients. Using the 6/3/6 framework, we can identify your true priorities, and then your internal self will feel heard, allowing you to let go and start trusting yourself more. 

Do you stretch and never get more flexible? 

There were also the standard workout conversations about when, where, and how, etc. I held back from introducing some really sweet 6/3/6 mindset and journaling drills with them. However, it was fun to hear how often they weren't thinking deeper, but wanted to. Minds as tight as a coal miner's hamstrings, ready to be as supple as a warm baby tiger.  

Nonetheless, a couple decided to ask if they could do what I was doing, and within five minutes, the husband achieved better posture, increased mobility, and greater flexibility. How?

I admit (I know) that it's all connected, and I act accordingly. You know it too, but how do you honor your connections?

He had been isolating and not using his whole body.

He had separated: 

• Movement from strength and flexibility.
• Body parts were isolated and disconnected.
• Working out from stretching.

They would spend at least 2 hours at the gym and still have little time to stretch. Yeah, we fixed that real quick. Bam! Your body is connected, so this was an easy transition for this guy. His body and mind were ready to connect. Yours is too. 

Mindset and movement are always intertwined. When you train one, the other changes; that's a fact we ignore. Just like your strength, mobility, flexibility, and stability are together. Your internal and external are together.  
Oh, sorry, I'm boring you with facts you already know. You are wise, right here, right now. 
One-on-one coaching teaches you to recognize when that wisdom leaves your consciousness. You are wise and capable, but we all forget at times. Let's find those places. 

Yamaste 

Matt

I have a couple of openings for new clients. However, I suggest a 15-minute call first, so we can make sure we click. So click below and let's have a quick chat.