Whenever I get ready to cross over a large suspension bridge (like the one over to Newport, RI) I always have the same thought—”Is this constructed well enough to withstand the weight, pressure and movement on it or will it just suddenly collapse under the strain?”
Then I take a breath and remember one word—TENSEGRITY.
Tension + Integrity = Tensegrity
Tensegrity was first conceived by architect and systems theorist Buckminster Fuller in 1955. This radical concept introduced the notion that structures can be stabilized by continuous tension and discontinuous compression. The fundamental breakdown of this is simple: the components in compression (ridged struts) float within a continuous network of tension (cables).
So you might be wondering at this point what a suspension bridge has to do with the human body?
We’re designed to function EXACTLY the same way.
We need our tension to sustain us. Yes—I did just say that out loud. There’s a reason you're tense—you're constructed that way.
When we apply the model of tensegrity to our anatomical structure it’s known as BIOTENSEGRITY. All 206 of the bones in our body serve as struts that provide us with integrity, while the connective tissues (fascia, tendons, ligaments) and muscles create the continuous tensional network in which our bones are suspended. This biological brilliance enables us to be self-stabilizing, resilient structures. When we move our bodies, even the slightest bit, it puts our tensional network of connective tissues and muscles under stress. For our bodies to achieve and maintain balance when this happens, our structure distributes the load evenly through our entire system so we don’t “buckle” under direct force. This also provides us with an understanding of just how remarkable it is that our bodies are able to simultaneously manage movement, support weight and transmit force evenly and efficiently throughout our physical structures.
As with any sound design, there are inherently caveats that can affect architectural integrity. If a cable starts to fray on a suspension bridge and it isn’t supported in time, it can lead the entire bridge to collapse. If the wind kicks up too much on a given day, the bridge may be out-of-commission until calmer conditions prevail. Our bodies function on the same construct. While our system interconnectedness sustains us, it can also leave us susceptible to variable internal or external conditions that may adversely affect it. Pulled a muscle in your right calf? Without your awareness, the entire left side of your body had taken over to compensate for the injury, thereby leaving you with an ache in a different spot that may seem unrelated. The fascia in our bodies is the force transmitter that allows this systemic shift to happen. And while this blueprint is ingenious, it also can render the effects of consistent overstrain to become more pronounced. Wear-and-tear is cumulative and occurs over time on bridges and on our bodies.
To help offset the physical tolls that time and use take on our bodies, we can reinforce our structural stability through purposeful daily maintenance. Our bodies are designed to be moved—whole-body, multi-directional movements like dancing, tennis and swimming or controlled stretching like yoga or pilates move fascia, muscles and joints through a full range-of- motion. These movements (or any similar) strengthen connective tissue health through putting necessary stress on tendons and ligaments which stimulate them to become stronger. When we move dynamically we increase circulation throughout our bodies, which improves connective tissue elasticity and stimulates fibroblasts (the cells) that produce collagen. The production and remodeling of collagen in fascia is essential as it not only helps prevent injury but improves our overall structural integrity.
Tension is what holds our bodies together, but it can also be our undoing if the stress load becomes too great. Our internal integrity relies upon balance. We can embody a suspension bridge that efficiently directs and distributes the traffic flow through our bodies by bringing mindful awareness and action into our daily movements. We are each a dynamic bridge that is built to withstand, but regular maintenance is a must to bear the endless load.
