How is connective tissue strengthened through yoga?
Hello Martina Johnson,
Form follows function. Just like Susan D’Alonzo explains, your body will adapt to the work you put it through, resulting in a stronger body to handle what it needs to do.
Yoga will both, challenge and stretch you, which works together for improving strength in the muscles. The muscles are attached to the connective tissues, so, they all get stronger.
Take care,
Natalie.
I am curious to know that connective tissue you are referring to?
Connective tissue is not limited to ligaments and tendons.
Too, as fitness professionals, we re not in a position to know the health of an individual’s connective tissues. We make the assumption that their connective tissue is healthy. We have no idea if some has some form of tendinopathy or whether certain ligaments are on the verge of rupture due to overuse.
In a healthy body exercises such as yoga and pilates among others can have a positive impact on connective tissue but the benefits are relative to the health of the connective tissue of the individual.
1) Keep in mind that connective tissue and muscle are two different things. I answer with respect to fascia / connective tissue.
2) Joanne gave a very thoughtful answer, and a wise one for general input.
3) The condition of your fascia, its elasticity, its hydration, etc. occur in proportion to the stresses you apply to them. I like yoga, particularly vinyasa yoga, as fascial conditioning because of the tri-planar aspect of yoga.