One Thing I Do Every Day to Move & Feel Better…Mobility Training
The single best thing I've incorporated into my fitness regimen is mobility training just about every day.
And for those of you who say:
"I never stretch because I don't like it,"
or "I get too bored in yoga,"
or "I don't have time..."
Here's what I want to know:
"Do you have time to continue feeling achy or sore, experiencing pain on certain movements, and having to take time off training because something's injured or bothering you...again?"
You can neglect mobility training if you want. I did for years. Any kind of movement is better than no movement, after all.
But there's a big difference between moving and moving well, and focusing on mobility training can bridge that gap.
Your mobility affects everything from how deep you can go in your squat to how much pain you have in your shoulders on overhead presses to how much tension you're carrying in your neck and jaw every day.
If you're spending time doing other exercise, whether it's running or lifting or taking classes, it seems silly to skip over such a key component of fitness, one that will ultimately help you get more out of everything else you do.
Let's take squats, for example.
They're one of the most important exercises, because they use the same muscles and movement patterns as everyday motions like sitting down and standing back up again. Yet they're one that many people don't get enough out of, because restricted mobility -- typically in the ankles and hips -- affects the ability to squat pain-free and to achieve a full range of motion.
Not everyone needs to work on mobility -- some people have natural flexibility and just need to increase strength -- but the majority of clients I work with share a few common issues, including:
problems with balance because toes and feet lack mobility and strength after being crammed into shoes every day
knee or low back pain stemming from tight hips, often due to sitting for long periods of time
shoulder pain with overhead movements thanks to years of hunching forward over a desk, computer, or phone
The good news is you can begin to unlock your joints and move better with some simple mobility exercises, and you can do that every single day, no equipment and very little time required.
Improving your movement patterns will help you move with better technique to avoid injury. Increasing your range of motion in different movements will allow you to get more out of all your other activities, whether that's HIIT or strength or running.
The specific exercises that will be most beneficial for you will depend on your body's unique movement patterns, restrictions, lifestyle, and history.
Interested in a mobility assessment and a customized mobility program that will work for you? Get in touch here.
