Why We “Gel” Overnight
Do you ever wake up feeling a bit like the Tin Man before he found his oil can? I know the feeling!
But that “creaky” feeling in your knees and back isn’t inevitable just because we’re getting older. It’s actually a biological process called the “gelling phenomenon,” and we have the power to “un-gel” ourselves.
When we sleep, the synovial fluid that lubricates our joints thickens, becoming more like a gel than a liquid. To get that fluid moving and nourishing our cartilage again, we need to move.
Here’s how to transition from “rusty” to radiant in just a few minutes.
The Bedside Gentle Start
Before your feet even hit the floor, give your joints a “wake-up call.” While still lying on your back, do some gentle ankle circles, wrist rotations, and “windshield wipers” with your knees. This signals to your nervous system that it’s time to move and begins to thin out that thickened synovial fluid.
Hydrate to Lubricate
Your joints are like sponges; they need water to stay plump and shock-absorbent. Since we wake up naturally dehydrated, drinking a large glass of water first thing in the morning is essential. Proper hydration helps maintain the volume of your synovial fluid, making every movement feel smoother.
The 5-Minute Morning Flow
Instead of long, static stretches where you hold one position, focus instead on mobility – dynamic movements like cat-cow, gentle torso twists or shoulder rolls. If you’re a Gold member, remember we have three live classes every week where we do this together! For Silver members (or if you’re tight on time), the on-demand library is packed with Mobility flows designed specifically to get you moving without the “ouch.”
Understanding “Motion is Lotion”
Your Blueprint for a Supple Morning
You don’t have to accept morning stiffness as your “new normal.” By starting with gentle bedside movements, hydrating immediately, and committing to a 5-minute mobility flow, you can significantly reduce “gelling.” Your joints are designed to move. Why not give them the “lotion” they need!
Want to know more about today’s topic? Do you have a suggestion for future posts? Leave a comment below – I’d love to hear from you!
0 Comments