Your body is the best instrument you’ll ever have. To enjoy it to the fullest, you’ll need good mobility, the foundation on which every other physical thing you do is built.
Mobility helps you move around effortlessly, with a sense of stability and control, so you can feel free and empowered in everything you do. This is especially true when it’s coupled with dynamic flexibility, strength, balance, and full range of motion with your joints. We want to be able to move free and easy!
Mobility deficits typically stem from problems that are either mechanical, chemical or neurological, or a combination of the three. Mechanical problems present themselves as joint or soft tissue restrictions. These are the most treated issues and the most common way in which people address mobility problems. It is why many people begin manual therapy and utilize various forms of self myofascial work.
Chemical-type problems are things like inflammation and poor lymphatic drainage, which can also affect mobility. Nutrition and lymphatic therapy are often great starting points to combat inflammation and poor circulation.
Finally, mobility deficits can come from a neurological or neuromuscular issue that has nothing to do with joint or tissue restrictions. An example is the hyper-mobile individual who often “feels” tight but has no soft-tissue and articular restrictions.
Movement Prep or Functional Mobility training refers to exercises and techniques that are geared toward improving a person’s range of motion and functional movement patterns. This type of training often involves dynamic stretching, joint mobilization, and neuromuscular control exercises to increase range of motion in a joint to enhance movement efficiency, reduce the risk of injury, and improve overall physical performance.
Both athletes and non-athletes alike will benefit from this type of training as it can help individuals move more efficiently, which can translate into improved performance in sports, fitness, and daily activities. Additionally, mobility training can help to reduce the risk of injury by improving joint mobility and stability, as well as promoting better body movement mechanics.
Mobility training is different from flexibility training in that it focuses on improving movement patterns rather than simply increasing the range of motion around a joint. While flexibility training can improve range of motion, it does not necessarily address movement quality or control. Mobility training, on the other hand, aims to enhance both range of motion and movement quality, which can lead to better physical performance and reduced injury risk.
To incorporate mobility training into a fitness routine, individuals can perform exercises such as dynamic stretching, foam rolling, and mobility drills that target specific joints and movement patterns.Overall, mobility training can benefit a wide range of individuals, regardless of their age, fitness level, or physical abilities.
The modern Yoga, Pilates or Strength Coach will incorporate mobility exercises, paired with their knowledge of breathwork, in their routines which will take your joints through full range of motion.
If you are interested in improving your mobility check out our Functional Mobility classes and series on the YogaWorks App!