Could Stretching Be Holding You Back, Literally?

Today, we are going to talk about an internal vs. external focus with movement. 

Internal focus is based on the sensation you feel while you move. An external focus requires the use of external targets to reach towards. 

In this video, we are going to show you how brains work! In the demo, you will see my active range of motion with internal focus driving the movement and then what happens when I use my eyes to trace an external target.  

What you see is a huge change in range of motion when I let visual information guide what I am doing. 

What happened?

My brain didn't understand the task at hand when my attention was internally, feeling the muscles work. 

When I shifted my attention outward, using the laser pointer, I was able to see where I was going and how far I wanted to goal my brain granted me the permission to have more range of motion. 

Why is this important?

Traditional mobility practices, like passive stretching, emphasize focusing internally which is actually building more intramuscular tension. This is the nervous system putting the brakes on the range of motion. 

If the goal is mobility and range of motion, it is a huge advantage to use an external focus in your training. 

Use the walls, ceilings, floor, and even body parts as external targets with your mobility practice to gain a great range of motion with your mobility practicing!

About the Author: 

Taylor Kruse, recently featured in Men's Health, is dedicated to empowering you with the truth and tools for improved health and performance.

His inspiration stems from more than 10 years of education and coaching through systems like Zhealth Performance, The Burdenko Method, and various movement practices.

In 2013, he co-founded KRUSE ELITE with girlfriend, Alisha Hale. Both are dedicated to inspiring people, coaches, and trainers into their best health and performance.