Mobility and flexibility are two aspects of your physical fitness that affect how you move. They play a part in your overall well-being, and exercises that target them can help you age gracefully while doing the things you love as long as possible.
While many people use the two terms interchangeably, mobility and flexibility refer to two distinct elements of movements. This blog details the differences between mobility and flexibility, giving you the knowledge to make the right exercise decisions.
What is Mobility?
Mobility refers to how well joints go through their normal range of motions. There are 360 joints in the body, and several types of joints help make everyday movement possible.
When you hear about mobility issues, it typically means that the joint is incapable of moving as designed. For example, hinged joints might have problems moving back and forth, while ball-and-socket joints cannot rotate fully.
Mobility training can work wonders to keep the joints in good shape. Many physicians and caregivers recommend doing dynamic stretches that take your joints through the normal range of motion. Those exercises can prevent stiffness, pain, and mobility restrictions.
What is Flexibility?
Flexibility is similar to mobility. But, it refers to how well your muscles can stretch. It's about muscle resilience and the ability to extend without feeling tight or risking injury.
There are countless ways to improve flexibility. Many of the same exercises performed during mobility training have similar effects on the muscles. Static stretches and strength training can make your muscles more malleable, leading to significantly less stiffness.
The Relationship Between Mobility and Flexibility
While different, mobility and flexibility go hand in hand. The muscles around the joints need to be flexible to support your mobility. Tight muscles can cause many issues, including misaligned joints and a general inability to use your full range of motions.
It doesn't matter whether you're a senior or a young adult. Mobility exercises that work the muscles and joints are crucial. Maintaining muscle flexibility and joint mobility can help you avoid injury, mitigate your risk of falls, and help you keep up with your lifestyle as long as possible.
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