CIRCLEWORK
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19/1/26 Add Dynamic Articulated Isometric Loading
ARTICULATED ISOMETRIC LOADING: FROM STILLNESS TO MOTION
We can now describe a continuum of articulated isometric expression, rather than isolated techniques.
Static Articulated Isometrics (SAILs)
(Umbrella category for PAILs, NAILs, RAILs)
These are angle-specific isometrics where:
They train:
This is where clarity of intent is refined.
Dynamic Articulated Isometric Loading (DAILS)
Definition:
An articulated isometric in which the isometric tone is maintained while the geometry of the system changes.
Key idea:
Tone stays. Shape changes. System adapts.
DAILS trains coherence through motion, which is exactly where Yin Motion lives.
The Three Expressions of DAILS
1D DAILS — Fixed Point, Moving Body
Definition:
The point of force application remains stationary while the rest of the body moves around it.
Examples:
Primary training effect:
Energetic quality:
This is foundational for your shoulder work and neck recovery.
2D DAILS — Moving Point in Planar Space
Definition:
The point of isometric engagement moves in two-dimensional paths while maintaining continuous, light resistance.
Examples:
Primary training effect:
Energetic quality:
This is where joints learn to self-organize.
3D DAILS — Moving Point in Three-Dimensional Space
Definition:
Two-dimensional patterns expressed through three-dimensional movement, often with live feedback.
Examples:
Primary training effect:
Energetic quality:
This is change with the change embodied.
How It All Fits Together (Clean Map)
STILL → DIRECTION → MOTION
PAILs ←→ NAILs ←→ RAILs (Static intent spectrum)
↓
DAILS
(Motion without loss of tone)
↓
Yinnercise
(Change with the change)
Why This Matters (And Why It’s Not Reductive)
Traditional Yin Yoga:
FRC:
Yin Motion / Yinnercise:
This framework doesn’t reject anything — it contextualizes it.
A Single Sentence That Holds It All
“Articulated isometrics train control; dynamic articulated isometrics train adaptability.”
Dec 2025
PAILs, RAILs, and NAILs: The Articulated Isometric Spectrum
Articulated Isometrics = isometric contractions performed at a specific joint angle, targeted to a specific line of tissue load.
In FRC language: PAILs (Progressive Articulated Isometric Loading) and RAILs (Regressive Articulated Isometric Loading).
Adding your third category:
1. PAILs — Progressive Articulated Isometric Loading
Intent: Push deeper into the stretch/passive angle.
Tissues biased:
2. RAILs — Regressive Articulated Isometric Loading
Intent: Pull deeper into the closing angle or shorten the tissues on the opposite side.
Tissues biased:
3. NAILs — Neutral Articulated Isometric Loading
Intent: Neither push nor pull — hold the joint in neutral and generate an isometric that has no directional bias.
This is your “moment of change.”
The place where a PAIL can become a RAIL and vice versa.
Tissues biased:
Is There a Neutral Point Between PAILs and RAILs?
Yes — and describing the three as a continuous spectrum is both biomechanically and pedagogically sound.
Think of it like this:
PAIL → (decreasing intent) → NAIL → (increasing intent) → RAIL
At the midpoint, the system is:
This neutral zone matches your core Yin Motion principle:
“Effortlessly change with the change.”
Because you can only change effortlessly when you're not already committed to a direction. NAILs train that.
How This Supports Your Framework (Yin Motion / Yinnercise)
Yin Aspect (Initiation)
Yang Aspect (Completion)
Yinnercise Principle
“Live in the middle long enough to feel what wants to happen.”
NAILs physically train that “middle.”
In partner work (push hands, spinning hands), that neutral articulated isometric shows up as:
Exactly the qualities that turn practice into somatic mantra.