Flexibilty vs. Mobility
Is there really a difference between flexibility and mobility? In my post Do I really need to foam roll I mentioned that flexibility and mobility are sometimes used interchangeably but they are actually not the same. Flexibility is taking a stretch and being able to get into it without resistance. It’s something that is passive and relaxed. Mobility is taking that said range of motion and making it active. YOU are now trying to take it into a deeper range of motion.
Mobility is a major contributor to our performance on the pavement, gym sessions and even plays a role in our sports performance on the field. The more we can achieve optimal range of motion through our joints the better our nervous system is able to recruit muscles, produce force, and stabilize our body during movement. A lack of mobility can lead to unwanted changes in that system. The shortened length of a muscle changes how much force and power we can produce.
Lack of range of motion will load the joint in a range where it isn’t intended to be tolerated and cannot handle. I listened to a podcast recently that gave a great example of this-wrist pain during planks. Yes, sometimes it has to do with shoulder strength and other times it could be because of limited range of motion in the wrist. Picture a rubber band. A muscle that is tight will be like a frozen rubber band, a muscle that is stretched will be like a pliable rubber band. Which do you think would go further if you tried to stretch/bend it over a corner?
Incorporating a mobility routine can be the key to not only helping you improve your speed or power but also in helping to decrease the pain you feel in your body due to limited range of motion. This is where things like foam rolling and Pilates come into play. Both are helping to change the nervous system and help the way muscles and tendons respond to range of motion.
Interested in giving it a try? Try a sample class here and feel how Pilates can improve your mobility and help you become a better mover.
