What is fascial fitness, and why should we care?
The fascia is our strength system and our recoil rebound mechanism that stores energy like a catapult or spring
The fascial system is the least understood system in the body.
We know it is there, but we are not aware how much power or action potential is stored within the fascial system. It is deeply significant when it comes to how well we move – or not.
So what is it?
All fascia is connective tissue, not all connective tissue is fascia. Fascia is the glue that holds us together, linking the muscles to the bones to the nervous system and the circulatory system to the vital organs.
Without fascia we could take our pectorals and move them down to our abdominals
There is superficial fascia under the skin as well as deep or profound fascia that intertwines our muscles, and then there is the reticulated fascia that supports our vital organs like a net or nylon stocking.
Collagen is also found between the joint surfaces that creates a slippery gliding surface so that our bones never touch each other. This gives us a kind of friction-free hydrodynamic interface that gives us a smooth movement potential when walking, running or simply playing.
Why do we care?
Without the fascia, we are without any support and our muscles will lose their integrity shape and form. For example, without fascia we could take our pectorals and move them down to our abdominals. Not a pretty sight!