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When most people start working out, the focus is often on strength training and building muscle. And while strength is undeniably important for overall fitness, mobility and flexibility are equally essential aspects of a balanced fitness routine. 

Personal training can help you find areas of your flexibility and mobility that you should be working on, supporting you to continuously improve your fitness routines. 

Here are some reasons why you should be paying as much attention to mobility and flexibility as you do to your strength. 

Understanding mobility vs. flexibility

First, it is important to understand the difference between mobility and flexibility.

Flexibility refers to the ability of a muscle to stretch and lengthen passively. It’s about how far you can stretch a muscle without actively engaging it. 

For instance, touching your toes requires hamstring flexibility.

Mobility, on the other hand, is the ability of a joint to move actively through its range of motion. This involves not only flexibility but also strength and control. 

Squatting down to pick something up requires hip, knee, and ankle mobility—it is an active movement where both flexibility and strength are at play.

Reasons mobility and flexibility matter:

1. Injury prevention

One of the most vital reasons to prioritise mobility and flexibility is to prevent injuries. Tight, stiff muscles are more susceptible to strains and tears, especially when performing dynamic movements. Limited mobility in joints can lead to overcompensation by other muscles and joints, creating imbalances and increasing the risk of injury. By working on flexibility and mobility, you’re making your body more adaptable and resilient, reducing the chances of strains or injuries in and out of the gym.

2. Enhanced performance

Improved mobility and flexibility can lead to better performance. Mobility is essential for full, controlled range of motion in exercises like squats, deadlifts and overhead presses. When you can move efficiently through a full range, you engage the right muscles more effectively, helping you to lift heavier weights, move faster and build strength more safely. Flexible muscles allow for smoother, faster and more powerful movements, helping you whether you’re in the weight room or playing a sport.

3. Better posture and reduced pain

Poor flexibility and mobility can often lead to bad posture and discomfort. For example, if your hip flexors and hamstrings are tight, it can pull on your lower back, leading to lower back pain, which is a common issue for many people. By incorporating regular stretching and mobility exercises, you’re better equipped to maintain good posture, reducing pain and discomfort in the long term.

4. Everyday functional movement

Mobility and flexibility play a critical role in our daily lives, from bending over to pick up groceries to reaching for something on a high shelf. These daily activities require flexibility, joint stability and strength to perform safely and effectively. By improving mobility and flexibility, you’re not only enhancing your performance in the gym but also making everyday movements easier and safer.

In conclusion, strength training is just one part of a balanced fitness routine. Without mobility and flexibility, strength gains can lead to tightness, reduced range of motion and increased risk of injury. By making mobility and flexibility a priority, you’ll not only improve your performance in the gym but also your comfort, posture and movement efficiency in everyday life. 

Incorporate them into your routine today by looking at our class schedule, where you can find yoga or Pilates classes. These are excellent for building flexibility, mobility and stability, and adding one or two sessions a week can have tremendous benefits. 

Or, if group sessions are not for you, enquire today about personal training with one of our amazing trainers who can help you move at your best. 

Author

Sophia Young

Personal Trainer at Sound Mind and Body. Get in touch today to book a session!