van Donna Stark
From the outside looking in, warpers can seem mysterious, alien creatures. But behind the twists, turns and seemingly impossible positions lies much more than meets the eye. Contortionism is a form of extreme flexibility that allows a person to move, stretch, and hold their body in a way that seems both painful and unnatural. For the most part, it is generally only seen on stage as dancers, acrobats and gymnasts rely heavily on their ability to use their bodies in such a way, but you may see one or two people in the gym people who also use these types of stretching exercises. . And if you do, you may also want the same amount of flexibility they do. But is that level of flexibility realistic?
Should you strive to be as flexible as a contortionist?
While these types of stretches may look simple and easy to perform, it's important to remember the intense muscle conditioning and exercise routines people must go through to achieve that level of flexibility. Typically, they start practicing these stretches at an early age and spend years perfecting them. It is also important to note that some people may have joint hypermobility syndrome or Ehlers Danlos syndrome. These two conditions can cause joints in the body to have an unusually large range of motion and can result in loose connective tissue around these joints. This can make it easier for these people to stretch their bodies in such extreme ways. In other words, that level of flexibility isn't for everyone. If the same movements and stretches are attempted by someone who cannot even touch their toes and is just trying to improve their flexibility while at the gym, significant injury and damage to the body can occur.
What are the risks and benefits of extreme flexibility exercises?
Extreme flexibility exercises are risky for anyone, so even if you have a double joint or think you have great flexibility, the first thing you should consider and prioritize is your overall safety during these types of stretches. You shouldn't start it without increasing your overall flexibility and strength slowly and over time. Once that is accomplished, you should seek proper guidance or instruction from a professional as there is always a chance of some form of injury to the spine and other joints of the body. These risks can include spinal misalignment, joint dysfunction, muscle strain, and other long-term soft tissue damage, and can vary in severity.
However, if you have been practicing these exercises and stretches for some time, the risk of injury is significantly reduced. As with any form of physical activity, it is important to warm up first, use proper mechanics and form, and work under the guidance of a professional if necessary. With the right amount of practice and experience, there are many different benefits of extreme flexibility exercises. Here are just a few.
- Improved spinal health
- Increased body awareness
- Increased flexibility and range of motion
- Increased balance and strength
- Reduced risk of strains and injuries due to overuse
- Greater independence
Why flexibility is important
The days are hard enough to navigate on our own, but they would be nearly impossible if we didn't have good flexibility. Flexibility increases our general well-being and allows us to live an active life. We need it to get dressed, exercise, cook, pick up kids, lift things at work, drive a car, and climb stairs. From the moment we wake up and start our day to the moment we get home and go to bed for the night, good flexibility is essential. Unfortunately, like most things in life, it is something we can easily lose if we don't do anything to maintain it. That's why it's important to incorporate some form of flexibility exercises into your daily workout routine. There are plenty of online resources full of recommendations, or you can ask a physical trainer or the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic for suggestions and tips.
Choose what is best for your body
While it's important to maintain your overall flexibility, you also need to know when to stop. Listen to your body and take regular breaks to make sure you don't overdo it. Don't rush into stretching or exercising if your body isn't ready or if it can't handle the level you're trying to reach. And if you feel any discomfort or pain, stop immediately and seek help from The Joint Chiropractic. Taking the necessary precautions now can ensure success and avoid any long-term problems.
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material on this page is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise, and nutrition. It is not intended to replace or replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before beginning any new health care treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you do. read here on the page.
