Mobility, Flexibility... Is it important? YES. If so, Why neglect it?

​In light of the new classes on the timetable, I thought it best to write about the importance of our new addition -- Mobility and Flexibility. Two entirely different things but definitely related.
Mobility is about being able to move a joint in its complete range of motion with purpose, strength and stability. It's the ability to lengthen safely and support the joint in a proper ROM. Flexibility, on the other hand, pertains to the pliability of a muscle and how long your muscles can extend.

The main drawback of training is that we do so many repetitive patterns that it renders the range we are working on so much tighter. If we don't work the opposing range equally, we create imbalances.  We create these same imbalances if we neglect mobility and flexibility work. Worse, when things are out of alignment, injury and pain often manifest.

What to do? Apart from the obvious and shameless plug for our new stretch and mobility classes, you need to put your recovery and mobility on equal footing for the rest of your training.
Most times we neglect using the foam roller or taking the time to stretch post-work out because it's not as sexy as doing a PR on an Olympic lift or getting your muscle ups. Also, doing these takes time... lots of it … before we see any real progress in terms of improving both flexibility and mobility.  To be honest, not everyone has the luxury of time.
Personally, the best approach would be to use that competitive mindset that most of us have as motivation to go through the man hours of holding still and either rolling or stretching or smashing some muscles. Think of this time as a way to enhance your performance. Majority of the time, lifts fail or succeed due to someone's mobility or lack thereof. So if we know this for a fact, would we not then set aside the time to practice the way we do when we are trying to learn a new skill?

Just in case you haven't noticed, there is a corner in the box where you can find foam rollers, mats, spiky balls, lacrosse balls and other tools to help you stretch. Just try to find Nayef stretching, post class, and you'll know you've found that treasure chest of mobility tools.

There are apps for this as well, so there really is no excuse!


At the end of the day, you can always come on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings and spend some time with us. Maybe some company while you sit and wish your muscles some length would help you get into a better habit of thinking about mobility for enhanced performance.

Here are the top 3 reasons why people skip stretching and mobility:


“I get bored”
“I don’t have the time”
“Its not as fun as lifting or conditioning”


Now, here are the top 3 reasons why you definitely should prioritise mobility work and add this to your training:


It will enhance your performance with your lifts.
It will possibly resolve certain imbalances in your body.
It will help keep you injury-free.


Now, go get a lacrosse ball and start kneading!

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