It's time to talk about the importance of stretching and mobilisation. Quite frequently, they get pushed to the side and become an afterthought for many gym-goers. Funny enough, these two things might just be the puzzle piece you're missing...

It's time to talk about the importance of stretching and mobilisation. Quite frequently, they get pushed to the side and become an afterthought for many gym-goers. Funny enough, these two things might just be the puzzle piece you're missing from your fitness regime. 

 

For many of us, we only discover the true importance of mobility when we are adults and then spend the rest of our lives wishing we had found it sooner. You know what they say, no better time than now! 

 

Here at MHR fitness, stretching and mobilisation is something we focus on with all of our clients. While important for everyone, we give specific care to those that work in offices. Being sat at a desk all day will impact your body and mobility, there's no questioning that. There are ways, however, to keep you moving nice and freely and to limit the impact a desk job will have on your movement. 

 

• Mobility vs stretching 

Sometimes it can get confusing and we can assume mobility and stretching are basically the same thing, but they are different and care should be given to both individually. Stretching is enabling the muscles to lengthen whereas mobility is the ability of a joint to move through a range of motion. Stretching is usually seen as more of a passive exercise and mobility more dynamic. 

 

• The Importance of Stretching and Mobilisation 

 

Mobilisation 

Once you start including mobility exercises into your daily routine, you will notice and feel the difference and eventually, it will just become part of your workout. 

 

We recommend starting your workout with mobility to help set the body up ready for the rigorous movements that your body will experience during your training session. These are the movements that will stimulate your joints and muscles the best and lift the heart rate a little too! 

 

If you are an office worker, you are in the category of people who are more prone to reduced mobility in the ankles, hips, shoulders and thoracic spine. Just by spending 10 mins each day mobilising these areas can improve your mobility. 

 

Stretching 

Stretching can keep your muscles flexible, strong and healthy. We suggest stretching at the beginning AND end of a workout session. At least 5-10 minutes will help reduce your risk of injury. If your joints aren't able to move freely, you'll be less ready to hit the full range of motion meaning, your risk of injury is heightened. 

 

Another reason that this is important for office workers is down to posture. Sitting at a computer all day, it is so common to adapt a slouch position which can cause neck and back pain or issues. Daily stretching can strengthen the muscles and release tension from sitting over your computer all day. 

 

• Yoga 

If you're looking for a nice and easy way to get your daily dose of stretch and mobility work, yoga is a great practise worth considering. 

 

Adding yoga to your weekly exercise regime will do wonders, not just for your body, but your mind too. Yoga provides you with the time you need to switch off from the rest of the world. It provides you with a fantastic form of relaxation and increases your strength and flexibility. 

 

Yoga is also very well known for reducing stress and anxiety so the perfect addition to your current routine if you are looking to improve your mobility, flexibility and mentality. 

 

These are just a few of the many reasons why stretching and mobility are so important, not just for fitness but for an overall healthy lifestyle. Feel free to get in touch if you would like any help with mobility stretches to work on any specific areas - we are more than happy to assist!