Fascia is coming into its own. We in the movement community are now understanding what Irmgard Bartenieff meant when she spoke of whole-body “connectedness.” Science is catching up with what we have always known intuitively: the body is fully connected and communicative within itself and beyond. It is organized by an intricate neurofascial web that surrounds every structure and enables the body to function as a whole. We now know that fascia that doesn’t move becomes matted and stuck producing the stiffness almost everyone experiences either acutely or chronically. So the adage “use it or lose it” applies not just to strength, flexibility and cardiovascular wellness but to the fitness of the fascia or connective tissue as well.

There are specific ways to restore and maintain the condition of our connective tissues. It’s in the choice and quality of movement, that is, not only ‘what’ is done but ‘how.’ For example, the movement repertoire is varied in both the use of body and space, i.e., combination sequences that use the whole kinesphere. The movement is smooth, elastic and buoyant, as well as mindful and focused. The mover pays attention to how the movement feels which means taking time, moving fully through the sequence and phrasing the movement intentionally. The mover clarifies the initiation and supports the movement with breath, space and connection to the earth. What exercise are you doing that meets these criteria?

Thanks to Tom Myers of Anatomy Trains fame for his useful article on Fascial Fitness in IDEA Fitness Journal, April 2011. The article suggests ways to re-think conventional fitness practices into movement that supports fascial wellness.