Mobility training is a  fitness trend that has been gaining popularity. This trend is here to stay as it is supported and recognized by research as an important component to fitness. Interestingly, mobility training is not a new concept, but has recently been gaining traction on social media. Many fitness influencers on social media are promoting different mobility exercises and routines, and some personal trainers focus solely on mobility training as their niche. But what is mobility training, and why is it important?

Mobility is HOW you move and is measured as range of motion – it encompasses flexibility and strength through dynamic stretching. Mobility involves the muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, bones – all the different types of tissues that allow our body to move. So, mobility training helps to improve your mobility and range of motion. Improved mobility allows for better movement, reduced risk of injury, and improved performance. Don’t get tricked into thinking that mobility training is just for people who are active or athletes. Mobility training is important and effective for all humans.

We use our mobility every day to stand up, sit down, walk – basic things we sometimes take for granted. You can improve your mobility by incorporating just a few mobility exercises into your daily routine, even if that is your only physical activity. If you are active, you can utilize mobility exercises in your warmup or have an entire workout routine that is mobility based.

Signs that you should consider incorporating mobility exercises:

  • Restricted movement
  • Stiffness in joints
  • Frequent injuries
  • Wanting to reduce risk of injury
  • Wanting to improve performance
  • Being a human

There are many resources available for ideas related to mobility training, a few examples include:

  • Dynamic stretching
  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Leg swings
  • Arm circles, hip circles
  • Walking lunges
  • Jumping jacks
  • Sit to stand
  • Superwoman/superman

Resources: National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

Danielle Johnson MS, RDN, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian who works in the Department of Bariatrics Center of Excellence at Mather Hospital, where she specializes in surgical weight loss and medical weight management. She is also completing her Master of Science in Integrative Nutrition at Stony Brook University.