Guest Blog from CrossFix Physiotherapy - Jess Large
As I am sure you all have noticed, mobility and activation exercises have started to be incorporated into the warm up and at the beginning of each class. You can see how 60 seconds in a certain position with a resistance band alters our flexibility resulting in an increased range of movement i.e. the front rack position. So we know it works, but why is it important?
So what do we mean when we say mobility? Mobility in its simplest definition is a joint moving through its designed range of motion. If a joint has a reduced range of motion, the joint and its surrounding musculature(muscles, ligaments and tendon positioning around the joint) will not performing to its optimum potential.
Carrying out mobility exercises enables you to move your joints and muscles through their full range of motion. Reducing your limitations in certain movements will increase your ability to be able to attain the optimal position during various exercises within a WOD or a lift. By attaining the joints and musculature optimal performance results in you being able to achieve the correct form in the set- up of a lift and sustain this correct form through the different stages of/throughout the movement. Overall this results in greater power output, an increase in strength and productivity in WODs. More importantly it reduces the risk of injury within the joint and its surrounding musculature.
Over the coming months I hope to be able to present some information about the different joints and their structure through movement. I will try to demonstrate how mobility, or lack of, impacts the joint and performance, and I will give you some advice on how to correct it.
I am here to help you work through your ‘sticking point’;areas that are sore or have reduced mobility. I can carry out an initial assessment and then work with you to put a programme together in order to improve your flexibility/mobility. In turn this will have a positive impact on your overall fitness ability allowing you to carry outthe movements as efficient as possible. Please contact me if you want to make an appointment. (charges do apply)
Below are 6 mobility exercises that are deemed as the essential 6 for maximum mobility, which are supported by Kelly Starret, a physiotherapist who specials in mobility for functional fitness and author of the book Supple Leopard.
By Jessica Large
CrossFix Physiotherapy
CrossFixPhysio@gmail.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CrossFix_Physio
