Benefits of Mobility (particularly as we age)

Just finished my annual physical this year for 2020.  I was well overdue for this, but due to COVID, getting your annual physical is not a priority.  It’s a funny thing, I requested to get this done and was told that if it’s not an actual emergency, that it will be done at a later date.  Of course I responded: “what if it was an emergency” I was politely advised to report to the emergency room.

Anyhow, after making several requests and making my case known, I was granted a video call with my doctor.  As I sat there and went over a list of what has changed, I was able to get my blood work and x-rays done.

Without going into any great length regarding my results, everything came back negative. Which is a term that means “nothing wrong”.  Aside from all my previous injuries from the military, my aches and pains, my newly discovered arthritis in my joints, I received a good bill of health from my doctor.

He said you don’t look your age (53yrs), but your body is starting to feel and adjust to your actual age. Be careful not to over-due it.  In other words; you’re not in your 20s anymore.

Long story short, it has brought attention to how I have changed; the way I eat, train, and live my life.  Hence, my topic today is regarding mobility and how to properly use it.

What is mobility? Is it the same as flexibility?

No.  Mobility refers to our ability to move freely without stress on the body or the ability of a joint to move actively through a range of motion.  I like to think of mobility in terms of being functional in our daily lives.

On the other hand, our flexibility is dependent on the range of motion of our muscles (not the joints). Flexibility is the ability of a muscle(s) to lengthen.  The two are not the same, but are not mutually exclusive. Good mobility can assist your flexibility and vice versa. You will hear both terms being used inter-changeably.

Is mobility more important as we get older?

Absolutely.  Like myself in my early twenties, I could get away with a gung-ho attitude to lifting heavy and building strength with a focus on my aesthetics (how I looked).  My body recovers rapidly, and it’s still benefiting from the natural flexibility I had during early years. However, now as the years have passed, I now discovered even basic movements like squats and lunges can become labored and somewhat difficult.

Trust me, I share this now b/c I’ve learned the hard way. Mobility and flexibility was a “blind spot” for me.  Now, as a coach, it’s important to be mobile at any age. The ageing process can and will take its toll on the body, so it is important that we stay mobile and supple to combat this.  How I coach now has totally changed the game for my clients and how they live.

What are the main benefits of mobility training?

Mobility training can improve the range of motion of our joints and muscles. It can assist in improving our posture. Mobility training can alleviate ‘everyday’ aches and pains as well as improve our body awareness.

Is it ever too late to start mobility training? How soon could you begin to see results?

It is never too late to start mobility training. Your mobility is always something you can improve. (I’ve been working on mine for years).  In terms of results, this will initially be something you feel rather than see. You might feel a little less stiff after one or two sessions – but the key is to be consistent with your mobility training. Over time you should see an increase in your range of motion and perhaps improvement in your performance and your daily life.

Can mobility training be incorporated alongside other forms of training or is it a discipline unto itself?

Mobility training can be used as part of your warm-up for your workout, or you can use it within your training in the form of active rest. The exercises can also be used to recover from other forms of training.  We use this methodology as well with our clients.  Improved range of motion, quicker recovery, and increased strength are just a few benefits we see.

What kind of ailments could be prevented or reversed with proper mobility work?

Conditions such as lower back or knee pain, plus some forms of arthritis, can benefit from mobility exercises. However, it’s important to remember that they should always be performed within a pain free range.

How Mobility Training Benefits You, Your Workouts, and Your Daily Life

For those of us who experience a limited range of motion in our joints, mobility work can help with moving more efficiently and effectively. Making mobility work a priority in your workouts and training routine can also help limit your risk of getting injured.

Mobility work takes your muscles, joints, and connective tissue through a full range of motion. Common methods of mobility work involve foam rolling and other self-massage techniques, mobility exercises, and dynamic stretching.

Final Word

The best way to add mobility work to your workout routine is to work with an experienced coach or trainer. I cannot stress this enough.  Having the right coach makes all the difference.  See improvements in your daily Workouts, athletic performance, and your everyday work comfort (regarding your daily life).

It’s so easy for me to ramble on about getting fit, introducing mobility & exercise, the benefits, your mindset, and your approach to getting started.  But you have to remember, I live this life, so it’s a breeze for me to practice what I preach.  It’s another thing to think that you can just grasp what I am saying and put it to use in your life.

This is the challenge!!!!

We all need help regarding our fitness and exercise regime.  Don’t be the 93% of people who just keep putting it off.  Be that 7% and just get started.  And it all starts with a consult (CLICK HERE).  This is where we can discover your WHY, where we can listen to your story of what has been holding you back.  This is the time for you to start something for yourself. You can’t continue to serve others if you can’t serve yourself first.  So please, don’t wait.

Please reply and let me know when you plan to start!

Would love to sit, talk & listen to your story

Kipp-KALFIT Coach and Mentor