Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Welcome to 2600's Weekly Blog ... Each week we'll be posting articles that will address different aspects of training, educate you in why we do the things we do or just entertain you!


HOW DO I IMPROVE MY MOVEMENT - STRETCHING OR MOBILITY

Before we think about whether stretching or mobility is the way to improve your movement we need to look at the difference between the two.

Stretching: focuses on lengthening short and tight muscles.

Mobility: includes stretching, but takes a more full-body approach, looking at all elements that may limit functional movement. Often movement restriction isn't due to short and tight muscles, but more likely these deficiencies are caused by soft tissue restrictions, joint capsule restrictions, motor control problems, joint range of motion dysfunction or neural dynamic issues.

"Old school" train of thought within the fitness industry was that stretching was the be all and end all, we now realise that stretching is only one component and generally further down the triage line than the above mentioned. So in short, "mobility" addresses all of these issues.


WHEN TO DO MOBILITY AND HOW OFTEN

Mobility should be done daily for 10-15 minutes. Whether you hit it before a workout, after a workout or sitting at home in front of the TV will depend upon the individual, what the workout is and what mobility piece you are doing. Some mobility drills are not appropriatepre-WOD and some are absolutely necessary.


TOOLS NEEDED

We provide everything you need at the gym. The essentials for your home and travel kit:
  • One lacrosse ball (or similar)
  • Two additional lacrosse balls taped together
  • Foam Roller (or poly pipe)
  • Thick Band
The lacrosse balls are available from MoveHappy (the amazing Physio & Osteo team next door to us!) and Troy from GymQuip in Fyshwick will help you out with any bands you need.


WHAT MOBILITY DRILLS DO I NEED TO DO

This works on a case by case basis as everybody has a different starting point and different requirements, you'll get to know your body and your essential drills.
  • Talk to our coaches to work out what will benefit you the most
  • If you're not already aquainted with the MobilityWOD (mobilitywod.com) - get onto it. "The Mobility WOD is about improving your capacity to be in a good position during movement, to improve performance and avoid injury". Movement and mobility guru and all round supple leopard, Kelly Starrett, is an endless source of amusement and a wealth of knowledge. He provides daily mobility pieces that will highlight then conquer any issues you have.
Don't forget we offer a half hour mobility session at 5am on a Friday. Yes, I know it's early but you can turn up in PJ's, mobilise then head back to bed (yes, this has been done!!)! It's always good for a few early morning laughs too!     

1 comment:

  1. For those seeking a flexibility guru please feel free to approach the Cookman he is a dead set flexibility freak, supple as a Chinese Olympic gymnast!

    ReplyDelete