Question for you…
Why do we wait until we get injured to take action?
Have you ever thought about that? I have. And I’ve been guilty of it in my earlier years so I get it.
But what I see happen a little too frequently is that someone will start mobility training because of an injury, they put the time in to recover and then think “I’m good to go! I don’t need this anymore”.
Slow down my friend. If you don’t start being “proactive” in your mobility training something else will inevitably happen.
Why wait until something bad happens to suddenly care about your body? Who wants to deal with the setbacks of that? I don’t know about you but I don’t want to miss training and make slower gains because I’ve had to take time to heal when I can spend 10 minutes a day bulletproofing myself..
One of the best things you can do for your body, regardless of if you’re a professional athlete or just an average Joe, is to start being proactive instead of reactive about injury. Take it from me…it’s way easier and less frustrating in the long run.
Mobility training is all about getting your joints to function properly and since all human movement stems from your joints, it’s the key to lessening the severity and frequency of future injury (not to mention, improving sports performance so you can continue to be awesome at what you love). Do yourself a favor, sit down for 5 minutes and read why being proactive with your mobility is so damn important.
IF YOU DON’T USE IT, YOU LOSE IT
First off, mobility training prevents the onset of osteoarthritis, aka joint decay. It's not the sexiest topic but you need to know that once your joints decay, you lose your ability to run, to lift weights, to play sports…to get out of bed in the morning. If you want your joints to be healthy for the rest of your life, you must constantly move them, simple as that.
You can do this by taking them through their greatest, pain-free range of motion every single day. Think of it as “If you don’t use, you lose it”. This is exactly what happens with your joints, especially if you’re not constantly moving all day (which we know almost no one does). Get a head start on taking care of your joints so they will last you the rest of your life.
SEE WHAT YOUR FUTURE HOLDS
Another great thing about being proactive with mobility training is that you can begin to see where a future problem may be lurking and get ahead of it. Some people are very blessed to never have had a nasty injury before but one day, it will inevitably happen if you don’t start taking care of your joints.
Mobility training creates awareness to truly see how your body is moving and how it’s feeling. Some days you may find that one of your joints feels a little “gunky” and that’s where you then know to spend more time. By dealing with this dysfunction before it becomes a problem, you stay ahead of the game and won't need to skip your sport or favorite activity.
Your body is talking to you but are you listening?
BE YOUR OWN SUPERHERO!
Mitigating injury should be a huge priority for everyone. Let me first say, you can never prevent injury. They happen..it’s life! However, by doing your mobility training, you’ve prepared your body to handle anything that’s thrown it’s way. By building motor control, joint strength and tissue resiliency, you will quickly become a mobility superhero!
Miss that curb and roll your ankle? It’s ok, you prepared your ankle so it’s only a minor sprain and not a complete blow out.
Reach in the backseat of your car to grab something and hit a pothole? No worries! You prepared your shoulder to be that position, so you’re good to go.
Playing your favorite sport and your body gets placed in a compromising position? Well, guess what? You’re ready to take on all of it.
So now you know how valuable mobility training is in being proactive for your health and well being. It doesn’t take a ton of time and for the most part it can be done anywhere and at anytime. No excuses people. Just like brushing your teeth keeps them from decay, get in your mobility training and brush those joints.
For all things strength and mobility training, check out my Instagram and Facebook pages or YouTube channel.
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