A German company Festo has finally caught on to what Ancient Yogi's realized thousands of years ago. Study nature to learn the best way to use energy.
Ancient Yogi's spent time observing animals and nature to help understand ways of conserving energy while promoting deep connections with the physical body.
They learned so much from nature that many of the Yoga postures are named after animals or plants.
After years, in technology, of using pushing methodology for generating pneumatic forces Festo has developed a product known as the Fluidic Muscle.
Behaving much like a natural muscle these Fluidic Muscles actually contract like an anatomical muscle when air pressure is applied to them.
The results are almost artistic as you watch the grace with which realistic movements can now be performed.
So how does this apply to Yoga? Well for many, the tried and true method of getting anything done is willpower and sheer effort. You can spot these people in a Yoga class a mile away. They are straining, grunting and sweating. Often making jerky and forced movements to get into the next position.
Observing nature can be very valuable. We have mirror neurons in our brain which help us to learn by observing. By watching the fluid movements of animals it may be possible to incorporate that into our own improvements of grace while floating into Crane pose.
Watch these fascinating videos to see how technology is evolving.
This video demonstrates the way the Fluidic muscle contracts when activated.
The Manta Ray is known for its efficient use of energy as it floats through the water.
Awkward on land, Penguins are incredibly quick and nimble under water.
