Don’t push me cos I’m close to the EDGE.
What is The Edge? And Should We Seek It in Yoga and Mobility?
In yoga and mobility work, we often hear about the "edge" - the place where we find challenge and the bandwidth of our capabilities, where we go just beyond comfort but not into strain. But is the edge something we should actively be seeking? And how do we differentiate between something that is creating productive growth or overexertion?
Defining the “Edge”:
The edge is the point where effort and ease meet. It’s the place where we feel challenged, where we can grow, but where we are still in control of our breath, alignment and sometimes most importantly our awareness. It’s not about pushing into pain but about meeting our capacity with curiosity and intention.
The “edge” looks different for everyone. It shifts daily depending on all sorts of lifestyles factors like tiredness, stress, hydration and emotional wellbeing. On a random day, a deep forward fold might feel free and loose and honestly fantastic but then the very next day it could feel tight, resistant and uncomfortable. These shifts, be them daily, weekly, seasonally are normal and should be welcomed to create balance and sustainability in our movement practices.
In my opinion, the concept of the edge can in some ways be helpful In yoga and mobility work, caressing our “edge” can be beneficial for:
Expanding flexibility and range of motion
Gentle, intentional stretching near our limits helps build mobility over time.
Increasing body awareness
Exploring where we feel tension and restriction can inform how we move in daily life.
Developing mental resilience
Staying present at the edge teaches patience, focus, and the ability to breathe through discomfort without panic.
The Risks of Chasing the Edge
While finding the edge can foster growth, chasing it blindly can lead to setbacks. The risks include:
Overstretching and injury
Forcing beyond what your body is ready for can cause strains or long-term imbalances.
Letting ego take over
Comparing ourselves to others or to past versions of ourselves can push us beyond what’s safe or beneficial.
Ignoring body signal
Discomfort that feels sharp, pinching, or unstable is a sign to pull back, not push forward.
Should We Seek the Edge?
So should we be entering our practices with this want for the edge? The answer as most things in life is all about balance. The edge can be explored but should never be forced. Instead of pushing limits, we should approach the edge with mindfulness and care, using our breath and awareness to gauge whether we are in a place of productive challenge or harmful strain.
Rather than constantly seeking the furthest edge, an approach I’ve found helpful is to cultivate a practice of “tuning in”, I think of this as dialling in my bodily awareness just as I would tune up my guitar to ring out the perfect pitch, I tune into my bodies needs and respect them without question:
Ask yourself daily how your body truly feels in every stretch
Recognise that the edge shifts and honor where you are on any given day.
Use breath as a guide, if your breath feels restricted, allow yourself to pull back
Embrace modifications and gradual progress, the best posture if the one that serves you in that moment
Using the idea of the edge is a great tool for discovering where you are, with honesty and care. In yoga and mobility, the most profound growth comes not from force, but from patience, awareness and a willingness to meet yourself exactly where you are, every, single, day.
