04/21/2026
You are probably wondering why I would post a picture of an elastic band and a bent plastic fork. The reason isn't because they are a few of my favorite things, but rather it is a PERFECT way to show how the different muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascias like to move and how to work them safely.
We all know that if we don't work or use our bodies we lose them. But HOW we work them is also very important.
Superficial muscles for example love the repeated actions with shorter holds. Just like an elastic band. And just like the elastic band if we hold those superficial muscles for long holds we can do harm to them and thus ourselves (think elastic bands being pulled on for too long, they snap).
But our deep tissues, ligaments, tendons and joints love the long holds and slow movements. Imagine trying to bend a plastic utensil. If you move it back and forth quickly, the utensil will snap instead of bend. That is the exact same with out tissues, ligaments, tendons and joints. So to experience the benefits without the injury it's important that we move them slowly with long holds.
You may hear your instructors tell you in yin class to soften and release all the muscles you aren't using so that you can activate the tissues, ligaments, tendons, fascias and joints. When the superficial muscles are activated, it doesn't allow the stretch to reach where it needs to go.
Check out joyfulmovementstudio.ca to check out our class line up.