Flexibility or Strength?

Three weeks ago I started an adult gymnastics course and have been loving it. Alex MacInnis does a fantastic job teaching and explaining the purpose for everything.

In yesterday's class Alex talked about the importance of strength. Yes, we want to be flexible but flexibility without strength can cause injuries. One without the other is also a lack of control.

This is true for life. The person who is most flexible is in control however that person also needs to be strong when it counts.

Life is unpredictable. We may think that we're in control but the truth is that the only thing we really have control over is how we act or react in any given situation. And most of us have trouble controlling this. We may think we have control over other external things or people but that's all just an illusion. Working those mental muscles to become stronger and flexible is what gives you real control. Control over yourself.

If you're strong and rigid, you miss out on a whole world of opportunities. If you're flexible without being strong (or standing your ground) then you'll get walked all over and ultimately end up being hurt.

Each option without the other leads to pain.

How do we become mentally stronger and more flexible? The same way we do it physically. Through consistent practice and exercise routines. We don't go to the gym or yoga class once and say, "Perfect! I'm set for life!"

And if you do, how is that working for you?