MOBILITY = RANGE OF MOTION + CONTROL.
This is how we define mobility here at Pippin Performance. One of the principles of mobility training is moving with control in order to develop strength, coordination, and awareness which…builds more control. Since control is such a huge part of the mobility equation, we felt it was an excellent time to delve into why moving with control is so important; not only for mobility training, but also any athletic activity or day-to-day life. There are 3 ways control can impact these areas; creating awareness, discovering weaknesses, and mitigating injuries.
CREATE A CLEARER PICTURE
When you’re not used to moving in new ways, your joints are sending a blurry picture to the brain about what’s going on. It’s almost like it can’t fill in the blanks because movement has been limited. Because of this, you’re less aware of how it feels to move and you definitely have less control.
Anytime you move in a new way, cells within your body are communicating with each other and your brain about what’s going on. They’re like “Oh hey, this is what it feels like to have your arm up this way. Remember this for next time so we know what to do.”
By moving with control in areas that you never go, you’re creating awareness which then makes the picture clearer. And by having awareness when you move, you’re creating more control. Do yourself a favor and take the time to develop a crystal clear image of yourself in your brain.
"SPEED HIDES NEED"
I love this quote because it sums up how most people move. The easiest example is to quickly raise your knee to your chest as fast as you can. You probably got it up high, right? Now perform the same move but raise your knee to your chest nice and SLOW. Most likely, these movements finished in a different spot. Subconsciously, your body will speed up where you’re strong to carry you through where you’re weak. By learning movements slowly and developing control you’ll not only learn where your weaknesses are but also start to strengthen them. Earn the right to move fast by first learning the movement slow and controlled.
MITIGATE INJURY
Who doesn’t want to mitigate injuries? Whether you’re a high level athlete or just a full functioning human being, injuries are unfortunately a part of life. The good news? We can mitigate or “lessen” the severity of them by developing control over every major joint in the body so you have a fighting chance in the real world. No matter your sport or day-to-day activity level, things are constantly being thrown your way. If you put in the time building control, awareness and strength, your body can withstand any situation placed upon it.
Get put in a funky knee position on the field? Guess what? You've developed control with mobility training and you’ve spent time in that position so you’ll be ok.
Slip off the curb and the ankle rolls? Been there done that. No biggie.
Reach in the back seat of the car and hit a pot hole? Your shoulder has been there because you’ve been doing your mobility training. You’ll be ok!
DO YOU HAVE CONTROL?
Want to know how clear your picture is? Try doing a Shoulder CAR slow and under control. You’ll notice how strange it feels to move this way and if you look in a mirror after you’ve tried it a few times, you’ll open your eyes to what you really look like doing it compared to what you thought you looked like doing it. Keep working at it along with doing other mobility training and you'll see an improvement in not time!
ABOUT COACH MATT PIPPIN
Matt is a Strength and Mobility Coach with over 15 years experience in his field and has coached over a thousand professional, collegiate and everyday athletes with the goal to help them move, feel and perform at their highest level. He's incredibly passionate about bringing simple and effective online mobility training programs to everyone who wants to take control of their self care and make lasting change. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Certifications:
NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Level 3: Fascial Stretch Specialist
Level 1: Institute of Motion Health Coach
Certified FRC Mobility Specialist (FRCms)
Level 1 Kinstretch Instructor
Weck Method Qualified