If you are looking for a new movement to get behind, we have just the one for you. It’s literally the movement of movement, and actually, there is nothing new about it...We are, of course, referring to mobility!
We know that we have said this before, but when it comes to mobility, one phrase has always stuck out to us; objects in motion, stay in motion. It’s a phrase that you most likely associate with Newton’s law of motion, but the phrase has also somewhat become a mantra or reminder to get people to move. The idea suggests that if we move our bodies now, then our bodies might be more likely to continue to move and remain active even later in life.
At Great Lakes Wellness, we love aging on our own terms, but part of this involves doing things today that will benefit us tomorrow. So for the sake of keeping things movin’ along - pun definitely intended - let’s get into ways that support and promote healthy mobility!
What is Mobility?
Although mobility has gained a lot of buzz recently, the idea of focusing on healthy mobility has been essential to overall health and fitness since...well, forever - just ask any physical therapist. Mobility helps your body move more freely and efficiently. When people think of mobility, they often think of flexibility, but it’s essential to understand the differences. Flexibility is the ability to move your joints through a full range of motion without wanting to scream because of the pain. For example, some of us are not flexible enough to do the splits, and we know because we have tried!
Mobility builds on flexibility and involves the strength of the muscles, balance, and coordination, making it one of the most important aspects of physical fitness. Because mobility involves an optimal range of motion, it also helps your body move more easily and is used as the main component when treating or preventing injuries at a rehabilitation level.
Tips to Promote Healthy Mobility
Want to know one of the best things about mobility? It’s never too early or late to start focusing and improving mobility. Daily or regular physical activity is critical to staying active and preserving mobility as we naturally age, but it’s vital to include mobility exercises in your fitness routine. For more serious or targeted exercises, talk to a physical therapist or a professional trainer to learn proper techniques before starting.
It’s important to remember that it’s not all about exercise when it comes to promoting healthy mobility. There are plenty of other ways to support mobility and joint health, healthy sleep patterns, supplementation, and more. Don’t worry, we will elaborate below:
Stretching - this seems like the obvious answer, but there is more to stretching than just warming up before a run. There are many types of stretches that focus on various joint mobility and range of motion - remember to consult a physician or trainer. One of the best and most efficient ways that some of us have increased our flexibility and mobility is with the help of yoga. Even if a person is entirely sedentary, the most basic of stretches (think gym class stretches) can help to improve range of motion when performed regularly! Bottom line: start stretching! Or do more stretching!
Healthy Sleep Patterns - We know, we know...how can sleeping increase mobility? Well, technically, the act of sleeping, on its own, will not increase mobility, but getting 8 hours of shut-eye will result in more energy to help you stay active.
Rollin’ It Out - We are referring to foam rollers, of course! If you have not incorporated foam rolling into your routine, it can make such a huge difference. Foam rollers work to release tension in the muscles, and they also help to release tight connective tissues, which can be the cause of decreased mobility. And hey, for about $15, it’s worth a try, right?
Daily Joint Collagen Peptides - If you have been a part of the Great Lakes community for a while, then you know that our focus has been healthy aging. Our New Daily Joint blends collagen that’s clinically researched to optimize joint mobility and comfort with other joint supporting nutrients to optimize joint mobility and comfort to get you movin’! If you are sitting at your desk reading this, let this be a reminder to breathe deeply, straighten that back, and get movin’! We know that it’s not always easy to start a new routine or to focus on a new area of health, but remember that healthy mobility goes beyond today’s movements.
It can make a genuine difference in our joint health, and come on...we owe it to our future selves to give them the gift of mobility!
