You're only as old as your joints are. This is one of the oldest Chinese proverbs. People of one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations have known this for centuries and had shared their wisdom with the rest of us. The proverb literally means that joints in bad condition will age the entire body and that in turn will age the person emotionally and mentally.

Flexibility to joints is a like air to your lungs. The moving joints of your body were meant to move and keep moving. Joints natural path of movement is to bend, i.e. to flex. Some flex more than others. If we limit our joints' opportunity to flex and move on regular basis then they will inevitably deteriorate.

One of the most common primary reasons for arthritis is a sedentary lifestyle. There could be a genetic predisposition for arthritis, but even that condition can be worked on, and we can attempt to redirect things with intentional work on proper movement.

Modern medical practitioners recognize the need for an active lifestyle and the destructive power of a sedentary one. What's not recognized is the power of correct movement.

It doesn't come as a surprise that we're plagued with such diseases as arthritis. According to WebMD, "osteoarthritis affects nearly 21 million Americans. The chance of developing the disease increases with age."

There are over 100 types of arthritis currently identified and profiled, but it is reported that the number is growing. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, which is simply a deterioration of joints, they decrease in volume, they harden, and that blocks correct movement. And there go the wear and tear, pain and suffering. (To find out more about the traditionally considered causes of osteoarthritis you are welcome to visit WebMD's Osteoarthritis page)

At the early stages of arthritis, it is commonly recommended to take up activities like yoga, tai-chi, swimming, etc., all activities that are considered "low impact", "easy on the body". Running is never recommended to people with arthritis due to a common misconception that running is a bone breaking activity or "high impact". Well, anything can be potentially dangerous, if it's done wrong. Swimming brings on injuries as well, and so can poor practice of yoga, etc.

From the Pose Method point of view, it is essential to lead an active lifestyle powered by a correct way of moving. Correct movement is the gateway to minimal wear and tear, or no wear & tear at all, i.e. that mystical "injury-free" thing that everyone is after!

The best course of action is prevention and early intervention. It is safe to suggest that at the early onset of this degenerative disease (and even at a median stage) it is possible to slow down or completely stop and reverse its development by taking corrective measures such as proper joint specific exercises, a corresponding change in diet and lifestyle.

Books listed in this section, though not specificly covering the subject of flexibility, do contain a good deal of information on flexibility as well as flexibility specific exercises. To find out more please read the description of each book.