From everyday tasks, to challenging positioning in our chosen pursuits, MOBILITY makes a difference. It's what allows us to move freely, with comfort and without inhibition - a heady combination of flexibility, strength and control…

MOBILITY is a measure of a combination of different systems. Unlike flexibility, which refers to the range of movement about a joint, MOBILITY is more about the whole and is very much influenced by the sensitivity of the tissues as well as the strength of the tissues around the joint (or multiple joints). Our range of self massage products and resistance bands can really help with this. 

A good example might be, if you are stiff and sore the day after your first long run for a while. Your increased tissue sensitivity and muscle damage from the unaccustomed loading may be your limiting factors in how deep you are able to squat or lunge. Fast forward a few days, repeat the same movements and (unless your DOMS is absolutely savage) you will find increased range - back in the game! In the longer term, muscle strength can also be a big player in our mobility. Are we suffering with stiff hips or are the surrounding muscles weak? Could it be that our muscles weak at certain points in their range? 

"Our bodies are hard wired to protect us. They wont let us go there unless we perceive we can cope with it."

Sometimes we need short term change. Sore, achy muscles can really benefit from desensitisation and down regulation. Often, this is all we need. Reduced pain and inhibition, almost instant changes in mobility, and the ability to move more. For longer term mobility change, coupling the same techniques with strengthening of muscles around the joint and throughout the chain is likely to be required. Progressively loading as we adapt, perhaps starting with offloaded body weight or bands, into standing exercises and then under additional load with weights. Sometimes using stretching into outer range as a way of loading tissues and developing strength. Following a simple structure with graduated and progressive loading alongside other modalities like stretching and massage/self massage offers a handrail to improved mobility and more importantly the benefits that this brings for now and the future. 

That's how MOBILITY work ultimately influences LONGEVITY and the reason why it's something that's worth considering for both short term and long term benefits. It's for feeling good now and for long term health, a true pillar of Health and Wellbeing. 

Give yourself the best tools and adjuncts to help improve your MOBILITY and LONGEVITY. Our Sustainable Movement Products are the perfect accessories to build and sustain your Movement.