Chapters (1)

Neuroscience of Stretching: Why Your Brain Says No to the Splits | Andrew Huberman

The Proof with Simon Hill · 0:28

In this practice

Key teachings

Flexibility is largely governed by neural, fear-based inhibitory mechanisms
Overcoming deep stretches like the splits involves disengaging neural inhibition, not just 'bendy muscles'
The brain's protective reflexes play a significant role in limiting range of motion

Ideal for

Individuals seeking to improve flexibility and range of motion
Yoga practitioners and athletes interested in the science of stretching
Anyone encountering plateaus in their flexibility journey
Those curious about the neuroscience behind physical performance

Lesson

Instructions

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Steps

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) principles for overcoming neural inhibition
Mindful stretching to gradually desensitize the nervous system
Active flexibility techniques to improve control at end range of motion

Benefits

Improved understanding of the mind-body connection in flexibility
Enhanced ability to deepen stretches safely and effectively
Reduced perceived limitations in flexibility through neural adaptation
More informed approach to achieving advanced poses like the splits

Transcript

most people can't do the splits I certainly can't do the splits but I can put a leg up on a table at a 90 degree angle one leg at a time well the reason you can't do both at the same time when you're just sitting on the floor completely supported is because it's a fear-based mechanism and a reflex where one set of neurons activated inhibits the other a lot of learning to do the splits is not about becoming more flexible but a learning how to disengage those inhibitory mechanisms isn't that interesting right you always think of the the muscles in the tin is getting more bendy but it's actually a neural mechanism

Practice summary

Level: all levels
Duration: 2 minutes
Equipment: none
Target areas: nervous systemhamstringsadductorshipsmind body connection
Energy: balancing

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