By LAURA LEONARD
Doctor of Chiropractic
Los Alamos
Tensegrity is a concept in engineering where structures are designed using tensile strength rather than strong foundations with support beams. Architect Buckminster Fuller, coined the term when he began working on alternative modes of building that would allow us to go lighter, cheaper, stronger and higher while maintaining superior structural integrity.
Buckminster described these systems as “self-tensioning structures composed of rigid structures and cables, with forces of traction and compression, which form an integrated whole”.
Sounds a lot like our body’s fascial structure, more simply known as the saran wrapping that holds us together. NASA’s ‘Super Ball Bot’ built on a tensegrity model, acts as a landing and mobility platform and can be dropped from high altitudes while maintaining its structure. Pretty nifty considering we are physically held together in a similar way.
If you have been looking for the motivation to work out, this is it. If you are already working out, now is the time to think about putting a few more moves into the routine. I’m not talking about building a strong foundation with weight training here … that’s old school. I’m referring to developing ‘Super Ball Bot’ tensile strength using a fascial workout system. That’s not to say don’t do cardio or lift weights. Just … consider throwing in exercises that work your fascia into the mix. After all, the ‘Super Ball Bot’ doesn’t work so well if its cables are stiff, bent and damaged from sitting around too long or getting injured in flight.
What is the easiest way to pay attention to your fascia? Foam roll the heck out of yourself every day, add in some plyometric exercises like jumping rope and be sure to integrate some whole-body movements like those found in yoga. Fascia is filled with more nerve endings and receptors than muscle which means it plays an important part in our movement, strength and coordination. Stiff fascia from sitting all day, lack of activity, too much of one activity, previous injuries and the force of gravity causes us to lose mobility unless we are investing some time towards correcting it.
I know, I get it … we are all crazy busy. It’s all about sustainability by keeping it simple. What do you have time for? Don’t think hours, think minutes, think convenient. Add these things into your day. Take the stairs, jump up onto curbs with both feet, balance on one foot at your stand desk and play like a kid in the woods on the weekend.
Finish it up by foam rolling at the end of every day for 10 minutes while you are watching your favorite show. Keep it simple and a new habit will be born.
For workout options, Google ‘natural movement exercises’ and ‘foam rolling routine’. YouTube is a great resource because you can find something that works best for you no matter what your fitness level is. MovNat.com is a personal favorite because it provides short complimentary videos for all levels of fitness. Enjoy!
Pires S., Home/Architechture. 8 Incredible Structures Around the World That Use Tensegrity to Defy Gravity. January 2, 2021.
Levin S.M., Fascia. Chapter 3.5 Biotensegrity – The Mechanics of Fascia. 137-142: December, 2012.
Dr. Leonard’s practice focuses on posture and performance using a combination of soft tissue release, adjustments and exercise recommendations. She also coaches patients on nutrition, self-care and body awareness so they can manage themselves in between visits. Los Alamos Chiropractic Center is in the Mary Deal Building on Trinity Drive.
