In our middle ages, Hubby and I have found that we’re losing our flexibility. Getting into some of the sexual positions that we use to is next to impossible now. Stretching before we play helps, but the effects are limited and short lived. 

Delving deeper into rope bondage, I’m realizing that being flexible and limber is a must. Stretching for longer periods of time is helpful to relax my muscles and comfortable hold positions for longer. However, to get into many of the positions I desire, my joints need something more.

With stretching there are two main schools of thought; dynamic and static.

Dynamic stretching is then you mover your body to its limit, but not beyond, and stretch.  

Static stretching is when you stretching your muscles and joints to a comfortable point and holding it for 30 seconds.  However, as we’ll see latter holding it for longer periods of time is more effective.

There has been a lot of research into the effectiveness of dynamic vs. static stretching. It’s been found that runners generate less force in their leg muscles after static stretching than when they don’t stretch at all. This indicates that athletic performance is enhanced when slow stretches are left out of the warming up process.

When static stretching is held for longer than a minute the effects are…

The muscles relax

Fascia and ligaments are stretched

Mobility of the joint is increased and flexibility in the general area being stretched is increased.

For some sexual or bondage positions, the joints have to be flexible. This isn’t governed by tissue; instead, it’s governed by connective tissues. The number one way to the connective tissue is Yin Yoga.

Yin Yoga is characterized by deep, static floor positions which are held for one and a half to five minutes. Once you’re inside a position of a few minutes, your body relaxes enough for you to re-position and stretch further. Similar to the concept of braces, you place traction on the body allowing the bones to shift and realign.

When using dynamic stretching you just don’t get these results. Because dynamic starching creates micro tears in the muscles, you strengthen the muscles rather than increase flexibility.  

During bondage scenes or for rope work, the bottom is required to hold a position for long period of time. This can be both physically and mentally challenging. Staying still is a discipline all its own. The body is sending signals of discomfort and it can be hard to overcome the urge to move. There are also emotional aspects. Sitting still and quite makes you aware of your own thoughts. Often times there will be an emotional release during long rope sessions; especially with those who have suffered trauma or abuse in their past.  

Through Yin Yoga, you stretch while allowing ample time to meditate and connect with your body. Very similar to bondage situations, you get into a pose and sit there quietly for what often times seems like an eternity. Practicing this type of Yoga allows you to prepare both your body and mind for intense long bondage scenes.

I’ve been practicing Yin Yoga daily for three weeks now. Starting out slowly, I’ve added a pose to my Yoga time each week. Even though it’s only been a short time, I can see the results of my dedication. With my hips now more limber, Hubby can tell the difference during our play time too.

The most difficult aspect of practicing Yin Yoga is sitting silent. Locked away in my mind are all sorts of deep dark memories from my past in New Orléans. Sometimes I find myself crying other times I want to scream, but I push past the memories and pain forcing myself to stay in the position. The more I work through the urge to move and stop letting my mind bring these memories up, the easier it is the next time. I wish I could say, that the thoughts have stopped reappearing, but they haven’t. However, the way I deal with them is slowly changing and I look forward to the time when I’m no longer haunted by them.  

In mainstream Yin Yoga Bernie Clark has found himself as one of the teachers on the forefront of the movement. His web site is packed full of valuable information and instructional videos. He’s dedicated to creating a one stop recourse site for all things Yin Yoga. Without his hard work, I would’ve never been able to learn this wonderful practice. If you want to give Yin Yoga a try, I highly suggest you stop by and see what the Yin Yoga web site has to offer.