Hello Centurions!
This week we will be studying mobility in the Wednesday night class!
The concept of “mobility training” has become a cornerstone in fitness, therapy, and sports science. But despite its ubiquity, the true meaning of mobility is still misunderstood by many. Let’s clarify what mobility training really is, why it’s different, and why it’s essential for maintaining a long and healthy life.
What Is Mobility?
Mobility is the range of motion that you can consciously control. It’s not just about how far your limbs can stretch or how flexible your muscles are - it’s about the control you have throughout those ranges. This is what makes mobility distinct from ...
Flexibility: The passive end range your tissues can achieve. Flexibility is important, but without strength and control in those ranges, it can leave you prone to injury.
Mobilization: When an external force moves you, such as a therapist’s manipulation or a machine-assisted stretch.
Skill: Mobility isn’t a skill, like swinging a tennis racquet. While skills require mobility to prevent injury, they are motor patterns learned through repetition. Mobility, on the other hand, is access to range of motion, not a specific practiced movement.

Why Do We Lose Mobility?
Mobility doesn’t require practice, but it does require maintenance. The body is a master of efficiency, adapting to the postures and ranges we repeatedly use. This means if you don’t regularly use your full range of motion, you lose access to it. For example:
Athletes often lose mobility faster than the average person because their repetitive, specialized movements strengthen some ranges while neglecting others.
Non-athletes commonly lose shoulder mobility due to long hours spent sitting, leading to poor posture and restricted movement.
Research has shown that most people over the age of 50 experience significant loss in overhead shoulder mobility, which impacts their ability to perform basic tasks like reaching for items on a shelf or engaging in recreational activities.
Immobility vs. Disability
It’s important to distinguish between immobility and disability:
Immobility is lost range of motion due to neglect, often reversible with training.
Disability, on the other hand, refers to permanent impairments in movement that typically cannot be restored.
I’ve worked with countless individuals with disabilities, and their courage in overcoming these challenges is inspiring. When we discuss immobility, it’s not to diminish their struggles but to address how neglecting movement can lead to preventable limitations in daily life.
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