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

have you ever heard of the goldfish theory?

that a goldfish will only grow within the limits of its tank? I don’t know if this is true but we’re going with it today…

our fascia system really does operate the same way as the goldfish theory, only stretching to as big as the space it has.

the situation is that we live a very ‘mid-range’ life: sitting at desks, driving, walking on flat pavement, scrolling on phones.

its great that we have all of these wonderful conveniences in our lives and not so great that our daily routines do not naturally encourage our bodies to go to their end-ranges.

when we don't visit our end range of motion our fascia stays small, tight and starts to compact into the space it has. plus the nervous system starts to forget that those larger ranges are safe places to go, which only makes it harder.

get big. take up space. find your end range where you still feel stable and in control. this is expansion and it’s how you're keeping your fascia happy, healthy and adaptable.​

expansion is about reclaiming the full map of your body.

when we move toward our end range, we are essentially making our tank bigger for our goldfish. this ensuring that when life requires a big movement, like quickly grabbing something falling, that our body is already trained to be there.

2 minute subtle shift…

this week, let’s find ways to get big, take up space and find our end ranges while still in control.

here are some moves I have been enjoying:

NOSE CIRCLES:

• first thing in the morning, still sitting in bed, slowly draw circles with your nose seeing how big you can ‘grow’ them.

GO TOP SHELF:

• when getting things off a shelf or cabinet really reach for it. go up on your tip toes, feel your ribs expand, let your shoulder glide up and grow those fingers!

GO TO YOUR FEET:

• when putting shoes or socks, keep your legs long and take your hands to your feet rather than bringing your foot up to your body.

THE RANDOM REACH:

• when driving, doing computer work or walking to the bathroom slowly reach your arm all the way out and then see how slowly you can reach it up over head.

THE DRAMATIC PICK UP

• picking up something small off the floor turn it into a side lunge; step one leg out wide, foot planted and leg is long while the other leg bends like a reg. squat

see you next week, Brooke ✌🏻

if you’re feeling like this is more thinking than you want to do, I got you…

reply + let me know what you’ve got going on and we can do a no strings attached brainstorm to find ways you can get big more often.