Mobility and strength are often overlooked in meditation traditions, but they have a surprisingly strong effect on the mind, our practice, and our health. If we take the view that the mind and body are deeply interconnected, then more comfort in the body means more comfort in the mind. If you struggle with posture, pain, and tension every time you try to meditate, the practice becomes much harder as you push against all those physical sensations.

Building core strength, opening the hips and spine, and releasing tension in the body all have a dramatic impact on your ability to sit and be at ease. A lot of us have chronic tension, often because some muscles are overcompensating for weaker ones to maintain our structure. This is why stretching alone can only take you so far. By building strength in the right places, those overworked muscles can finally let go, and the mind relaxes along with them.

Beyond the practice itself, a more open spine and healthier joints improve nerve function, allow energy to move more freely, and go a long way for injury prevention and overall health.