What Happens When Mobility Waivers
By Sandy Schroeder
Mobility is the body's ability to move through a full range of motion freely. When you have it, you may take it for granted, but when you don't you wish you did. As you reach down to tie your shoes or up to the top cabinet, you may know it's time to work on mobility.
Later in yoga class, out walking after work or shooting hoops with your kids, the subject may come up again. Loss of range of motion really is crucial wherever you are. When the body loses flexibility, everything becomes more difficult.
Then more issues may come up if you lose your balance and take a fall. Or you may find it hard to keep up with your kids as you head to the park.
Regaining Mobility
WellAndGood.com has some suggestions to help.
Here are some movements to help the neck, shoulders, wrists, and ankles move better.
Neck circles - Increase neck mobility slowly. Move your chin toward your chest as if you are squeezing a tennis ball while keeping the rest of the body still. Then look to the right and lift your head up toward your left shoulder and then back to your chest. Reverse directions and repeat three times.
Shoulder moves - Lift and move the shoulders in a circle and do overhead bent arm raises to exercise the shoulder blade and collarbone areas. Feel the tension as you move.
Flip your wrists - Increase range of motion for pushups and planks. Bring arms to sides, raise forearms in front of body with elbows at right angle and palms facing up. Make high-five hands and flex wrists so fingers point down and palms face away. Rotate wrists like you are waving with fingers pointed to the ceiling. Flip your wrists so fingers point back toward the floor with palms facing body. Rotate hands inward with fingers pointing upward and palms facing body. Repeat to fully loosen wrists.
Mobilize ankles - Give your running a boost in range of motion. Stand on one foot with the other leg extended forward, and foot flexed a few inches off the floor. Point toes toward floor and flex them up a few times. Rotate and repeat.
As you work on range of motion, you may find everyday tasks, sports and workouts all becoming easier. Enjoy.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Spring, Tex.