a weekly series to learn a bit about the body + a subtle shift to start to apply the new knowledge

we’ve explored getting big and getting small and this week we’re looking at how we move through the world: in spirals.

our bodies weren't just built for straight lines. we are literally designed to spiral, rotate, and twist and so this should be considered when creating a fascia focused movement plan.

we actually have what's called a spiral line of fascia. it wraps around the body like the stripes on a candy cane. check it out here + here. it helps connect the right and left sides with criss-cross patterns throughout the entire body, from head to feet.

the best example of our natural twisting in action is something we do every day…walking.

it might look like a simple forward motion, but walking is a beautiful series of mini-twists happening all over. your hips subtly rotate, your spine spirals, and your arms swing as a twist in the torso.

when we lose that mini-twist, walking starts to feel heavy or stiff because we aren't moving how we were designed and our fascia starts sticking to help this adjusted pattern of walking.

bringing back the rotation helps keep the layers of fascia from sticking together, keeps the system hydrated and engages the spiral line of fascia.

twisting and rotating ideally feels like a gentle unsticking and sometimes it can be the key to unlocking our overall stiffness…I know it is for me.

2 minute subtle shift…

micro spiraling thighs + knees

• outward when standing still [talking to someone, waiting in line, doing dishes, brushing teeth]

drifting one knee more forward

• when reaching for something [getting into fridge or lower cabinets, getting into dryer] mindful to switch sides to keep variety

using the hand on the opposite side

• when reaching for something, adding a little cross-body action to encourage twisting

go old school when backing your car

• instead of using the camera, rotate at the ribs to look behind you

as you move through these shifts, notice if one side feels a little more stickier than the other that’s your fascia asking for a bit more hydration in that direction.

reply to this if you want to chat about what your experiencing with twists and rotations.

see you next week, Brooke ✌🏻