People love a good side stretch. I got curious and made some discoveries!

Most of us live in the sagittal plane of movement, flexion and extension. Sitting at a desk, zooming meetings and classes on repeat, driving a car, riding a bike, eating at tables, watching TV on couches, running, hiking and of course checking our smartphones is spinal flexion. Walking, standing and backbends utilize spine extension.

When we arrive on our mats for practice, our bodies are delighted to move out of this habitual movement plane. Of course we stretch and strengthen our muscles, but lateral flexion and rotation not only feel amazing, but also help to strengthen other body systems.

Heart and Lungs:
Side stretching releases tension from the muscles that attach to the ribs allowing the ribs to express their full range of motion and the lungs to effectively respond to now the increase in inhalation and decrease in exhalation. The diaphragm and the chambers of the heart all get stretches as well.

Digestion, Assimilation and Elimination:
Creating space between the iliac crest and the lower ribs on one side as you activate contraction on the other stimulates the internal organs of the digestive and elimination systems.

Immunity:
Unlike the cardiac system, the lymphatic system does not have a pump to propel lymphatic flow throughout the body. Lymphatic fluid is derived from interstitial fluid (fluid between cells) and collect bacteria to bring to the lymph nodes where it is destroyed. The best way to detoxify the body and move lymphatic fluid along is to rebound (up and down movements as running, skipping) and stretching.

That side stretch feels so good cuz the body knows stuff. 😊

Thank you to all who've come back inside the studio this last month to enjoy our practice. Seeing you show up with masks, I'm reminded of not only your resiliency, but also your positivity toward adapting. What a time it is for yoga! For those not yet ready to return to the studio, I see, understand and respect your decision. I hope you are making time at home to move, stretch and breathe. As wind and rain ushered in true Fall only a day ago, cooling temps can bring more sedentary days. Our immune systems don't protect us while we sit indoors, nor are they strengthened. In order to keep our immune systems strong and our bodies feeling good, we need stretching and movement. I'm also a big advocate for outdoor fresh air every day. Some days that may only be standing on your back porch, closing your eyes and taking in a few moments of slow deep breaths. Throw in a few side bends too. That absolutely counts! You are always enough.