Pain & Mobility

Why you need to level up your “Stretching”

What is Mobility?

We define "mobility" as having two key components essential for physical function and well-being.

First, you must be able to position your body in typical human poses, which requires flexibility in muscles and joints. This range of motion varies by age, genetics, activity level, and lifestyle, making it vital to nurture.

Second, it's crucial to consistently achieve these positions in daily life, reflecting your functional mobility necessary for sports, hiking, and everyday tasks.

To excel in mobility, focus on developing motor control skills for your full range of motion. Train to move effectively, enhancing flexibility, strength, coordination, and stability through practices like yoga, Pilates, and functional training. Additionally, cultivate body awareness and proprioception to move confidently and fluidly. True mobility involves purposeful movement, enabling you to navigate life’s challenges with ease, whether reaching, bending, or engaging in workouts.

In essence, prioritizing mobility is an investment in your overall health, quality of life, and longevity. By actively engaging in mobility-enhancing practices, you open the door to a more active, fulfilling lifestyle, where movement becomes a source of joy rather than a limitation.

Embracing these principles not only transforms your physical capabilities but can also lead to a deeper connection with your body and a greater appreciation for the incredible things it can accomplish.

How is mobility different from stretching?

To be blunt, stretching is not an effective way to restore your body’s range of motion. When you follow traditional stretching practices, all you do is passively pull on your tissues. But it turns out there is a lot more to restoring full range of motion than that.

First, stretching doesn’t get your brain involved. And remember, even if your body has full range of motion, you don’t have true “mobility” until your brain develops the motor control to actually express that range of motion. Also, unlike mobilizing, stretching does not look at your body as a system. It neglects key factors like your joints and sliding surfaces.

Mobility takes a systems approach to restoring your range of motion. It accounts for all the varied ways your body can lose its natural ability to move. Mobilizing restores your joints, sliding surfaces, soft tissue, and even blood flow. Plus it helps you develop the motor control you need to express that range of motion in your daily life.

Toronto Strength is certified in Movement and Mobility Coaching through The Ready State by Physiotherapist Dr. Kelly Starett