11/26/2025
Why We Stop Rotating As We Get Older
Have you ever noticed how kids twist, roll, spin, and move in spirals all day… and adults slowly stop?
Rotation is one of the first natural movement patterns we lose, not because we can’t do it, but because life quietly trains it out of us.
As we get older, everything becomes very forward facing. We sit forward, stand forward, drive forward, look at screens straight on. The body adapts to whatever we do most, and when we stop rotating, our fascia and nervous system stop asking for it. Over time, we become more braced, more guarded, and more linear.
Stress plays a big role too. When the system feels overwhelmed, it tightens the ribs, diaphragm, and pelvic floor to protect you. Rotation requires softness and safety, so the body avoids it when it doesn’t feel supported. Add in shallow breathing, long hours of sitting, and the loss of playful movement, and rotation slowly slips away.
The good news is it comes back with intention.
Gentle rib spirals, slow hip circles, arm spirals, and long, sustained myofascial holds help rehydrate the tissue and teach the body that rotation is safe again. It doesn’t have to be big or forceful. Even slow, natural unwinding allows your system to melt back into its fluid, spiral nature.
If your body feels stiff or straight line only, try adding a few minutes of spiraling movement into your day. Your fascia loves fluidity, and your nervous system will thank you for inviting rotation back in.
