Mobility is an underrated component of training and today’s article will explore the reasons why we should not neglect mobility if we want to perform at our best during exercise.
Firstly, mobility shouldn’t be confused with flexibility which refers to our ability to lengthen our muscles. Mobility is our ability to move our joints through a range of motion with control.
So, when it comes to exercise why is it important we have good mobility?
If we have good mobility this affects our ability to perform movements with less restrictions because we can go through the movements full range of motion (ROM) with control.
When we lack adequate mobility, this results in either greater efforts to complete a movement or increases the chance or injury by trying to complete the movement.
For example, a strong athlete without good mobility can attempt to push through a movement but increases their chance of an injury under greater loads. Therefore, the inclusion of mobility work including, foam rolling, dynamic warm-ups and stretches should be placed in a training regime.
Three reasons to work on your mobility
- Reduce the risk of injury particularly when strength training.
- Limits long term imbalances. If we do not have adequate mobility we may overcompensate with other muscle groups that aren’t considered the targeted muscle group for an exercise. This consequentially leads to other ‘niggles’ down the track.
- Puts you in the best position to move weight in the most efficient manner, ie less effort for greater output.
By Veronica Lee
