Mobility vs. Flexibility

The Difference Between Mobility vs Flexibility, and How to Improve Them 

by Dick Talens

Essentially, think of mobility as an umbrella covering a range of factors that may affect the range of motion around a joint. One of these components is flexibility – it’s difficult to move a joint if the connected muscles around it don’t stretch far enough to allow it. But there are other considerations that come into play as well, like not having the strength to perform the exercises, soft tissue damage (e.g. inflamed tendons), and even problems with other joints in the same chain of movement. So while an adequately stretched muscle may, in theory, be conducive to a greater range of movement around a joint, it’s basically useless if your mobility is constricted by other factors.

So why should you care? Beyond just working out in the gym, both mobility and flexibility affect your joint health in everyday life as well. Think about it this way: if you have a general mobility problem that affects how you move, your body isn’t going to be functioning in the way it’s supposed to. Over time you can suffer more wear-and-tear, as well as general discomfort, than if the area around the joint could move as normal. Also, when you’re exercising you’re essentially performing these training these faulty movements under higher intensity and greater stress, so painful injuries can accumulate over time. Tony gives the example of basketball players, many of whom limit their ankle mobility with high-top sneakers. In doing so, this limits the capacity for the ankle to work, balance, and absorb shock like it’s supposed to, frequently leading to knee problems later on.”

Some tips provided to loosen up are foam rolling, mobility drills and stretching. Check out the 626 resources page on how to.

Upcoming Events

9/02 Saturday: Friends and Family Day

9/04 Monday: Labor Day, one 9am CrossFit class

9/30 Saturday: 626 Beach Day @Dockweiler Beach, 3pm

Workouts for Week 08.21.17

Monday: Front Squat; Assualt Bike / Wall Balls / Kettlebell Swings

Tuesday: Deadlift / Box Jumps; Handstand Push Ups / Pull Ups / Run

Wednesday: Clean; Lunges / Burpees / Double Unders

Thursday: Lunges / Handstands; Ground to Overhead

Friday: Push Press; Row / Run / Sit Ups

Saturday: Rope Climb / Pistols / L-Sit; Deadlifts / Push Ups