Mobility Matters: Top 5 Reasons to Make Mobility Training a Priority
Sometimes it takes losing something to realize its value. You may take for granted how easily you’re able to walk, get out of bed, and carry groceries to your car, until you can’t do it anymore. Mobility is the combination of strength, flexibility, and control. Like learning a new language, if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. Lack of physical exercise and a sedentary lifestyle will decrease your mobility. Which will singlehandedly decrease your ability to ENJOY LIFE! Check out the top 5 reasons to make mobility training a priority:
1. Prevent falls and injuries
The more control you have over your body, the less likely you’ll fall and injure yourself. Of course, accidents happen. And athletes who play sports that are hard on the body like basketball, volleyball, or martial arts, may experience injuries from their sports. But even athletes can decrease their risk of injury—or even its severity—by including mobility training in their exercise routine. More mobility also means more balance, which is extremely important as you get older since falling is the number one source of injury in seniors.
2. Enhance cardiovascular health
How likely are you to take your dog to the park for long walks if your knees hurt within the first five minutes? You’ll probably think of every excuse not to. You probably won’t be booking that trip to Europe to see the sites. You won’t be able to visit your favorite French cafes and sip vanilla lattes with fresh croissants and pistachio macaroons. When you’re not mobile, you’re trapped in your body.
However, when you ARE mobile, you’re much more likely to walk, ride your bike, swim, and do other activities that enhance your cardiovascular health. You’ll be able to take dance classes without pain, go on hikes, and participate activities that give you LIFE!
3. Improve mental health
Speaking of activities that give you life, being able to engage in your hobbies and have social interaction will help enhance your overall mental health. Not to mention the feel-good chemicals called endorphins your brain emits when you’re active. Moving reduces your stress hormones, like cortisol, which increases your ability to relax and get better sleep. And better sleep helps with emotional regulation and mood.
4. Strengthen joints
The more mobile you are, the better range of motion you’ll have within your joints and surrounding muscles. There are specific exercises you can do to improve joint function and increase your quality of life and athletic ability in sports. How much range of motion you should aim to achieve depends on your current range of motion, age, and lifestyle. Working with a trainer like me, who specializes in mobility, rehab, and strength can guide you to improve your mobility and overall quality of life.
5. Train harder
This section is for my athletes. The basketball players. The judokas and grapplers. The runners. You KNOW how important mobility is for training for your sport. When you train with a mobility trainer like me, you elevate your game. You have the secret sauce. People look at you and wonder why you’re never on the bench. Or how you always bounce back after an injury. It’s because you work with someone who gives you the right exercises to heighten your training for your sport. And being more mobile is a huge part of it!
If you’re looking to improve your mobility and overall quality of life through training, you can schedule a free 15-minute consult with me to discuss your goals.