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April 16,2021

Mobility vs Stability: Understanding the Key Differences from an Exercise Physiologist

Exercise

What is Mobility and Why is it Important?

Mobility refers to your ability to move your joints through their full range of motion without any restrictions or limitations. It’s vital for maintaining proper posture, balance, and functional movement patterns. Poor mobility can lead to compensatory movements, which can increase the risk of injury and limit performance.

Examples of mobility exercises include bodyweight squats, lunges, and shoulder circles. By incorporating mobility exercises into your workout routine, you can improve flexibility, range of motion, athletic performance, and reduce pain and discomfort.

What is Stability and Why is it Important?

Stability, on the other hand, refers to your ability to maintain a stable position or posture during movement. It involves the coordination and activation of various muscles and joints to maintain balance and control. Poor stability can lead to compensatory movements, which can increase the risk of injury and limit performance.

Examples of stability exercises include planks, bridges, and balance drills. Incorporating stability exercises into your workout routine can offer numerous benefits, including improved balance and coordination, enhanced athletic performance, injury prevention, and reduced pain and discomfort.

The Difference between Mobility vs Stability

While mobility and stability are both essential for physical fitness, there are some key differences between the two. Mobility focuses on improving joint range of motion and flexibility, while stability focuses on improving balance and control. Mobility exercises typically involve passive or active stretching, while stability exercises typically involve holding positions or moving while maintaining a stable posture.

Incorporating both mobility and stability exercises into your workout routine is crucial for balancing and improving your overall physical performance. Focusing solely on one aspect could lead to imbalances and limitations in movement patterns.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between mobility and stability is crucial for improving your overall physical performance and preventing injuries. By incorporating both types of exercises into your workout routine, you can improve your flexibility, balance, coordination, and control, leading to enhanced athletic performance and reduced risk of injury. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to exercise, so make sure to prioritise both mobility and stability in your fitness routine to achieve your best results.

  1. American Council on Exercise. (2019). ACE Personal Trainer Manual (5th ed.). American Council on Exercise.
  2. Caffrey, M. K., & Jones, M. T. (2018). Functional Movement Screen Scores in a Group of Collegiate Baseball Players. Journal of Athletic Training, 53(3), 232–237. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-82-17
  3. Cook, G. (2010). Movement: Functional Movement Systems: Screening, Assessment, and Corrective Strategies. On Target Publications.
  4. Page, P. (2012). Current concepts in muscle stretching for exercise and rehabilitation. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 7(1), 109–119.
  5. Willardson, J. M. (2007). Developing the core. NSCA’s Performance Training Journal, 6(3), 13-15.

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