Fascia Yoga: Rebound and Creeping

Effective movement instead of muscle bulk

In order to grow muscle bulk you need to work on coordinated, powerful movements that recruit the larger muscles groups. If the appearance of muscle mass is the goal, this is the best way to get there.  What will become apparent is that sheer muscle mass does not necessarily mean effective movement. If we compare a body builder to a sprinter, we see that the sprinter may have less maximum power output, but their overall movements are much more efficient. 

This phenomenon has its origins in the very beginning of human existence. Over the course of human evolution, bulky muscles were more of a hindrance because muscle requires more energy to be sustained, meaning more food to be hunted or gathered. On top of that, muscles that are too big weigh you down and are cumbersome. In a nutshell, your survival chances were much better if you could move effectively using as little energy as possible. For this, optimized movements combined with a lower muscle mass is ideal.  

For this reason, our fascial network is developed in a way to store and release impulses. The fascia flows throughout the entire body in long lines. They connect muscles to one another to created an interconnected entity. If the body is hit by a pulse, it deforms the entire fascial line and stored the energy it receives. This energy can be released later in the next movement.

Rebound Effect: Power without bulky muscle 

If we understand that over the span of human evolution it was essential to move using as little energy as possible, we can clearly see that this aspect has played a major role in the survival of our species. As a matter of fact most animals convert kinetic energy into tensile energy and vice versa. This property of fascia is known as the rebound effect.  

The rebound effect can be found across the animal kingdom. Not only in mammals, but also in birds, reptiles and amphibians. This bouncing in and back is what gives elegant grace to the movements of every creature. 

If we use this elastic quality and train it well, we can develop strength without bulking up with too much muscle. In this way, you can also minimize your energy consumption requirements. 

Creeping Effect: Increase flexibility by slowing down

Power needs to be complimented by sufficient flexibility in order to create efficient movement. Flexibility allows us to create the necessary space in order to take on new shapes and forms.

While short pulses cause the rebound effect on fascia, an appropriately long pull on the fascial lines will deform them. This happens because the tension causes the molecular components (collagen fibers) to align themselves along the line. In this way, the fascial sheaths can glide smoothly past one another. The fascial system needs about 30 seconds of tension to trigger the so-called creeping effect. 

Repetitive Stretching: The most effective way to increase flexibility

But watch out! If we hold the stretch too long, or pull too hard, the molecular fibers become entangled. The result is hardening of the fascia, which works counter to our goal of being more limber. The phenomenon is known as the hardening effect. 

It is in fact advisable to move in and out of a stretched position to avoid this effect. Warming up the fascia in movement has been proven to avoid this entangling of the fibers and will actually loosen things up so that the next stretch can be repeated with better efficacy. The new repetition of stretching will in turn re-trigger the creeping effect. 

Alternating Rebound and Creeping 

So, let's say that we are performing a powerful, explosive movement. This would be an exercise that activates the rebound effect. As you know, there will be a point where you are fatigued and cannot go on with the movement, and this happens relatively quickly with such movements. Often times there is a recovery period required. 

This break can be optimized through a stretch which will activate the creeping effect. The muscles are warmed up and the fascia have the right level of tension to get the most out of the stretch. Thus, we can utilize the recovery period effectively, all the while still allowing us to catch our breath between rounds. Before we cool down too much and bring on the hardening effect, we dive straight into the next round.  

The series of exercises described below builds on this principle. We become strong and more flexible at the same time.

Myofibroblasts: Relaxation for the fascial fibers

With the activities we described above, we have contributed a lot to the health of our fascial system. The properties of fascia are not limited to the collagen fiber molecules, but also connective tissue cells, knows as myofibroblasts. These cells regulate the tension of the system based on what is required. Myofibroblasts pull collagenous fibers toward them, thus stretching the fascial network.  

The activation of this function of the myofibroblasts is initiated by injuries, stress and excessive acidity. If we suffer from chronic stress, our fascial network hardens as a result. The result is stiffness and decreased mobility. 

The easiest way to deactivate the myofibroblasts is through relaxation. Through relaxation, they begin to release the collagen fibers again. This is why we feel not only mentally balanced after a good relaxation, but also physically more soft and elastic. 

Exercise Sequence

This series of exercises is a bit different from others that you may be familiar with. Here powerful, explosive movements are alternated with repetitive stretching. We begin with powerful movements which activate the rebound effect, then we move into a phase of stretching which activates the creeping effect for flexibility. Combining the two effects in such a way compliment one another. At the end, we enjoy a long constructive rest period to allow our myofibroblasts to release their pull, which will allow us to wake up with refreshed with a notable softness in our fascial network. 

Sprinter – Round 1 (Rebound Effect)

Start in plank. Be sure to push into the floor in such a way that your shoulders are floating directly on your ribs. Activate tension in your core in order to hollow out the belly a bit. Your pelvis will be a bit over the line of your shoulders to heels (Fig 1).  

HealingMovement

From Old-School Dynamic Stretches to Modern Fascia Yoga

• 25.9.2019
• Dr. Ronald Steiner & more

The old-school stretching exercises popular in the early 20th century have been long considered outdated. In light of modern fascia research, however, these exercises are making their way back into the spotlight. We are now better understanding how The old-school stretching exercises popular in the early 20th century have been long considered outdated. In light of modern fascia research, however, these exercises are making their way back into the spotlight. We are now better understanding how such exercises actually train the fascial sheaths in our body, and promote overall physical health. Understanding how this works can provide us with inspiration in our own yoga practice, where flexibility is often a main component. With the proper training, we can improve the elasticity and shock-absorbing properties of our fascia, thus avoiding unnecessary injury.

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Lift your right leg and draw the knee in towards the right armpit. Hold and then set the foot back down. Repeat slowly with the left side now. Start to slowly increase your speed until you can feel the bouncing effect of the movement (Fig 2).

Keep going until you are out of breath.  

Backbend – Bow Pose (Creeping Effect)

For the first round, start in a prone position on the ground. Lift your legs back and up and catch your shins with your hands. Stretch your legs actively. Enjoy the stretch across the front body over the next 5 breaths, taking care to breath slowly and deeply (Fig 3).  

Forward bend – Pashchimottanasana (Creeping Effect)

Then find an upright seat on the floor. Stretch your legs out in front of you. Be sure not to overextend the knees. In order to sit directly on your sitzt bones, you may try pulling the buttocks flesh out to the side, and or bend your knees. 

Stretch yourself over your legs and hold on to the outer edges of the feet. Again here breathe slowly and deeply for about five breaths, taking special care to create space for lengthening the back. Enjoy the stretch along the backs of the legs upwards along the entire back body (Fig 4). 

Sprinter – Round 2 (Rebound Effect)

Repeat a second round of sprinter. If you want more of a challenge, start to lift one hand from the ground (Fig 5). 

Backbend – Upward Facing Bow (Creeping Effect)

For the second round, we can further intensify the stretch. Start in a supine position on the ground. Lie down flat on your back. Place your hands on the floor close to your shoulders and your feet close to your hips. Make sure that the feet are approximately parallel and that the fingers turned slightly outwards. 

On an inhale lift your pelvis upwards and then push upwards with your hands. Even though the stretch is intense, breath slowly and deeply for about five breaths (Fig 6). 

Forward bend – Upavishta Konasana (Creeping Effect)

After stretching the front line, we switch to the back line with a forward bend. Her sit again upright and then take the legs out wide in a 'V' shape. Stretch forward between the your legs. Hold the stretch and breathe deeply for about 5 breaths (Fig 7). 

Further Rounds

You can follow the blueprint of this principle to create further rounds. A dynamic exercise will be alternated with two stretching postures. The dynamic movement invigorates the fascia with energy, the first stretch stretches the front line and the second the back line. 

If you vary each round a little bit, you will activate the fascia at a slightly different angle. This is ideal when you are re-triggering the rebound and creeping effect over and over again. 

This practice is demanding, and you will certainly sweat. To close such a practice it is important to take a long and complete constructive rest. This will not only help with recovery, but it will also disable the myofibroblasts so that the cells of the fascial network can create more flexibility and softness.  

Savasana

The classic form of constructive rest, or Savasana, is done lying supine on the floor. Place your hands about 20 cm to either the side of the body with the palms facing up. Your feet are also about 20 cm apart from one another and fall outwards to either side. 

If you find this position uncomfortable, choose a position that will allow you to relax completely. Try different things such as lying prone or even on your side until you find a position that you find comfortable. 

Close your eyes and allow your breath to become flatter. You may observe your heartbeat as it gradually beats more calmly. If you were sweating, observe how the sweat begins to evaporate from your skin leaving a mild tingling sensation. Rest until you feel complete calm (Fig 8). 

Have fun practicing!

Teacher: Dr. Ronald Steiner
Yogini: Kristen Sikorsky Racco
Photographer: Paul Königer
Apparel: OGNX