Admin
- Mar 9, 2023
- 2 min read

What we need to know about Mobility & Flexibility.

Updated: May 1, 2023

People often assume mobility and flexibility are “much of a muchness.” Although they are intrinsically linked, in fact there are distinct differences between the two.

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Mobility is described as

“the ability to move a joint through a full range of motion without pain or discomfort.”

Strength & stability around your joints is necessary to work on your mobility.

Flexibility is loosely described as

“the ability of a muscle to lengthen fully.”

You need to mobilise your joints to maximise your flexibility.

One enhances the other and so forth.

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But can you have one without the other?

Let’s think about this.

If a person has great mobility but is inflexible they are more likely to compensate and use the incorrect muscles for the movement leading to strain and discomfort.

On the other hand a person who is hugely flexible may lack the strength, stability and balance to execute efficient mobility and therefore risk injury.

As we age, our joints and surrounding soft tissues become less flexible so if we move less this exacerbates the issue.

Improved mobility can lead to

better posture
injury prevention
easier everyday movement
stress reduction
greater independence

So how can we go about creating a balance between the two?

Pilates is a great place to start as it is a low-impact strengthening exercise which helps to improve overall mobility as well as flexibility.

Pilates Mermaid

Pilates sequences are designed to enhance mobility in each position and gradually develop your range of movement. Often you can find you move in ways you may not in everyday life - further optimising the body’s ability to function more effectively.