Are you Back is flexible and bendy or are you stiff like a board? No matter which end of the spectrum you’re at, the ultimate goal is to have control of your full range of motion.
Rarely these days I prescribe static stretching to improve someone’s mobility as I have found out over the years that static stretching is not the best use of your time.
Active mobility movements like the ones below will improve range of motion while also gaining better muscular control of this new range!
Why is muscular control important?
Because full range of motion is different for everyone.
One person can bend into a pretzel and not get hurt, while the next person can barely touch their knees when they bend over.
We are all different, so never compare your flexibility to somebody else’s.
But one thing is important.
You have to introduce your spine and Back to a variety of movements so you don’t hurt yourself “twisting wrong”.
If you prepare your back for bending, twisting, extending, etc. then your brain will recognize these moves as SAFE and will allow your body to move into greater ranges of motion and keeps ligamentous stress at bay.
How often should you practice these moves?
I recommend adding these moves in at least 3 times a week.
Also, SLOW IT DOWN – after all, mobility isn’t how fast you can do something. It’s about slow, controlled movement.