Pretty much all of us want to be able to move better… true?
Whether it's:
- being able to move about your day or look over your shoulder without any pain,
- smashing out kick sits, bear crawls or gorillas like a freak,
- or simply squatting with more depth and power – or with no aches and pains.
You get the picture!
All of that has to do with your MOBILITY.
I’m going to be talking about WHAT mobility is, WHY it’s so important, and HOW to get better at it!
But first I want to clear up a common misconception about mobility – which has to do with what it IS … and what it ISN’T!
So… the big misconception about mobility is that it is the same thing as being flexible. Basically, it’s the belief that if you can bend over and place your palms on the floor, do a split, or do other amazing human tricks, your body has good mobility.
But here’s the thing. You can absolutely be able to do those things – but not have good mobility. That’s because they involve only flexibility, which is PASSIVE.
But… MOBILITY is ACTIVE. It’s being able to move your joints and muscles through a full range of motion with control, power, and strength.
It’s important to have a good range of mobility so day-to-day tasks can be performed pain and injury-free. And for those that love getting in the gym and training, staying injury-free is a must. Having a structured mobility routine that is done consistently will aid in gaining strength and power through range rather than being confined to a lesser movement.
Now, a lot of factors in our daily lives actually get in the way of our mobility. A few biggies include sitting, doing repetitive tasks, being on your phone… a lot, and so much more. Over time they can really add up and lead to tight, overactive muscles, muscle imbalances, and aches and pains.
Here are a few simple exercises that can help improve your hip and shoulder mobility.
Crucifix
Shoulder External Rotation
Half Lotus
These look simple because they are simple… but it’s surprisingly effective if you spend any time at all on your computer or other devices.
Give them a try and see for yourself!
