Huberman Lab
In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain the biology of flexibility and discuss the organ systems that shape range of motion and limb flexibility. I also discuss different types of stretching, which methods are most effective, and practical tools for timing stretching relative to exercise. Finally, I provide specific protocols for how intensely and how often to stretch to maximize flexibility, support exercise performance, and offset age-related losses of flexibility.
Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.
Thank you to our sponsors
AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman
LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman
Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Flexibility
(00:00:22) Muscle, Nerves & Connective Tissue; Range of Motion
(00:03:16) Golgi Tendon Organs, Load Sensing
(00:04:41) von Economo Neurons, Body Discomfort, Stretch Relaxation
(00:11:11) Sponsor: LMNT
(00:12:43) Types of Stretching: Dynamic, Ballistic, Static & Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
(00:15:43) Tool: Static Stretching Protocol, Frequency
(00:18:33) Warming Up for Stretching, Exercise
(00:20:37) Sponsor: Eight Sleep
(00:21:55) Static Stretching & Aging
(00:22:18) Tool: Anderson Method, Feeling the Stretch
(00:23:44) Low Intensity Stretching, Tool: “Micro-Stretching”
(00:27:22) Should You Stretch Before Exercise?
(00:29:01) Sponsor: AG1
(00:30:20) Insula, Pain Tolerance & Yoga
(00:35:10) Recap of Stretching Protocols
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
-
How to Optimize Testosterone & Estrogen
In this episode, I discuss testosterone and estrogen hormones and how they impact the brain, body, and behavior after puberty. I also discuss how various behaviors such as exercise (resistance and endurance training) and sex…
-
How Hormones Shape Sexual Development
In this episode, I discuss how hormones such as testosterone and estrogen and their derivatives impact the early development of the brain and body and their maturation. I review published data on environmental factors shown…
-
The Science of Emotions & Relationships
In this episode, I discuss the biology of emotions and moods in the context of relationships. I focus on the science of how early infant-caregiver attachment, combined with adolescence and puberty shape our adult patterns…
-
How to Increase Motivation & Drive
This episode explains the science of motivation and drive. I describe how dopamine — a chemical we all make in our brain, underlies our desire for and pursuit of our goals, as well as our…
-
How Foods & Nutrients Control Our Moods
This episode explains the brain-body connections that allow the specific foods we eat to control our moods and motivation. I discuss the vagus nerve and its role in dopamine and serotonin release in the brain.…
-
Master Stress: Tools for Managing Stress & Anxiety
This episode explains what stress is, and how it recruits our brain and body to react in specific ways. I describe the three main types of stress, and how two of them actually enhance the…
-
Control Pain & Heal Faster With Your Brain
In this episode, I describe the science of how and why pain arises in the body and brain, and how we can actively control our experience of pain. I discuss inflammation, stress, acupuncture, limb damage…
-
Optimize Your Learning & Creativity With Science-Based Tools
In this episode, I describe how to access focused learning bouts, creative states, and the underlying neural circuitry involved. I frame this in the context of our daily 24-hour cycle in order to make it…
-
How to Learn Faster by Using Failures, Movement & Balance
In this episode, I discuss how we can use specific types of behavior to change our brain, both for sake of learning the movements themselves and for allowing us to learn non-movement-based information as well.…
-
How to Focus to Change Your Brain
This episode introduces neuroplasticity—which is how our brain and nervous system learn and acquire new capabilities. I describe the differences between childhood and adult neuroplasticity, the chemicals involved and how anyone can increase their rate…
