Creating a Mobility Routine: Tips for Consistency and Progress

You spend many hours in a sitting position – at the workplace, in front of the television, or even in cars. Muscles become tight, and flexibility reduces; thus, you end up feeling stiff all over.

Simple tasks can prompt one to realize one must monitor their motion. That is why when you add mobility practice to your day, your movement mechanics improve, and you feel less restricted in your body.

Setting Realistic Goals

The first thing that a person must do in designing a mobility routine is, therefore, to set some achievable targets. Think about what you want to achieve: Is it flexibility, absence of pain, or better sports performance that it can grant? In this way, by setting objectives, it is possible to choose the actions needed to achieve one’s goal. That is, if you feel hip stiffness during a working day because of sitting too much, then perhaps you should incorporate hip exercises into the routine. Another factor that should be considered is the time spent on the routine during a week. Making realistic targets in this practice will help you be committed and motivated to include mobility work in your life.

Staying Motivated

One effective strategy is to track your progress. Reducing mobility exercises can benefit from the documentation in diary or in the application used to record the progress made over time which often serves as a motivation. Exercising in pairs could bring some fun since both of you can encourage the other person and be forced to follow through since the other person is waiting on you. So, feel free to combine them: New exercise or techniques can renew the excitement in the workouts which are very important in the exercise regimen. The more fun you derive from your mobility practice, the more you will be consistent with it.

Finding the Right Time

Like in any other regimen, timing is important, and having the right time of the day will enhance the mobility workouts. Some people use a quick mobility session in the morning to get the body moving after sleep, whereas others find it useful to stretch and move after a busy day at work. Try to recall your activities in the day and try to figure out the right time when you feel active. Maybe a few minutes of mobility training in the morning helps you feel more alert, or perhaps an evening routine helps you relax and prepare for a good night’s sleep. No matter what time of the day you select, try to stick to it religiously and you will be surprised how easy it turns into a habit.

Creating a Balanced Routine

Many different movements should be incorporated into a mobility routine to cater to all parts of the body. Some examples of dynamic stretches include to get the muscles ready for work and the blood circulating – neck circles, shoulder circles, inchworms, walking with the straight back, etc. Subsequently, when you can, you then get into static stretching which basically targets some areas you feel are a little stiff; hold the stretch to about 15- 30 seconds. There are also some strengthening exercises that you need to perform, as the exercises can improve your flexibility through—and through engaging the muscles of your body. Besides, do not ignore foam rolling in the process of your training. Apart from being fun it is one of the easiest means of relinquishing muscle stress and enhancing circulation. By achieving all those, you shall have a healthy synergy of the elements, leading to improved flows and strength that make all our actions through the day very responsive.

Conclusion

Adding a mobility routine to your life doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Set realistic goals and find the right time to practice. Keep on going, and you will develop a regimen that will enhance your levels of flexibility, energy, and vitality. Well, I am asking you, what are you waiting for then?  Grab a mat, find some space, and start moving! Your body will thank you.