Why mobility is important in a functional training program...

What is Mobility?

The ultimate goal of mobility training is to increase our ability to use our joints optimally in various situations. This takes a combination of active and passive stretching to achieve the physical capability of a movement and have our nervous system trust that we own those ranges of motions.

Passive vs. Active Range of Motion

Passive ROM is our ability to go into a range of motion with assistance, using leverage with another part of your body, gravity, another person, etc. Something is helping you hold a stretch and allowing you to passively be in it.

Active ROM is our ability to move our body with control through the desired range of motion. Another term for active is “usable” ROM. We have built trust with our nervous system, saying we own that range of motion and so we can use it on command.

Passive ROM is important to train because it prepares our joints for the active ROM training. Active ROM training involves a process of combining the passive ROM with strength to achieve trust with our nervous system and create a more resilient joint. When we do this to joints independently and then interdependently, we can achieve a body that has more movement variability.

Why is Movement Variability important?

Movement Variability is the total variations in a movement across multiple repetitions. The more options our body has, the more optimal our movements through life become. If our nervous system has only a handful of variations to a movement, it is more prone to limitations and injury. Sometimes we can’t prevent injury but training with intention to maintain your body’s movement variability can help reduce the severity of injuries and increase your quality of life.

More Control = More Freedom.

-Written by FGF Trainer Nicholas Falkenstein

Looking for some help on mobility training? Contact our personal training studio - Fight Gravity Fitness, located in Denver’s RiNo district.