NY Times: The Flexibility Test

NY Times: The Flexibility Test

In this article, the NY Times writes about the importance of flexibility and range of motion….

On the “front page” of the Sunday (12/11/22) digital edition, The New York Times had  a piece on movement and flexibility. According to the Times, 80% of us do not suffer from hypermobility, in which case we are prone to getting stiff, now and again. And that can be problematic. So the article encourages people to move and take a flexibility test. (continued below)

Their flexibility test encompasses 5 components: (a) Back, hips and hamstrings, (b) Neck, (c) Thoracic spine, (d) Calves and ankles, and (e) Hips. Indeed, there is a test for each component so you can get a gauge yourself. The article is well-done and the test is reasonable. I think it is also something you will find quite routine and familiar. Most yoga classes (ours included) will adequately prepare you to score well on their test. 

The important part for us (i.e. those practicing yoga) is that once again we see health and wellness professionals advocating what yogis introduced long ago. Yet, the only reference the article makes about yoga is putting both ankles behind the head, in an attempt to play on that giant misconception about yoga: That it is all about body contortions. When in fact that is not at all the case.

Yoga is about body maintenance and refinement wherein one increases their range of motion and flexibility, AND enhances their strength and stability. Even more meaningful, yoga exercises and balances the glandular system to create that ultimate body-mind connection, leading to states of deep relaxation and mental peace. And, ultimately, yoga is about meditation and expanding the boundaries of the mind, and actually going beyond those boundaries.

And yes, in the last paragraph, the article does give mention of breathing and its benefits.

The article is a good one for the general public, and I think those pursuing a regular yoga practice will find that they have their bases covered. No doubt, we all need to continue to grow, expand, and refine ourselves, but with regard to the NYT flexibility test, you should do just fine. Go head, give it a whirl, and let me know. Instead of finding it to be a test, I think you will feel as though it is a basic review of movements you already do in a much more comprehensive manner.