Do you even know the difference?
Three experts weigh in on how flexibility vs mobility affect your health and fitness.
What Is Flexibility?
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Flexibility refers to your connective tissues' ability totemporarilyelongate, says Wickham.
Here are just a few of the benefits of adding flexibility exercises to your daily routine.
Translation: Having flexible tissue gives you more freedom to move safely with proper form.
Corrects Muscle Imbalances
Flexibility exercises also helpcorrect muscular imbalances.
What Is Mobility?
“Mobility is an indication of how well and efficiently we move,” says Morbitzer.
The easiest way to understand the difference is to think of flexibility as passive and mobility as active.
A passive hip flexor stretch, for example, may help increase flexibility.
Butt kicks or high knees will increase the mobility in those muscles and joints.
Here’s more about the specific benefits of mobility.
On the flip side, poor mobility can lead to unhealthy joints and ultimately injuries.
Think of your stereotypical gym bro cranking outbiceps curlsover and over, he suggests.
For example, a tight chest can cause your shoulders to overcompensate and eventually lead to shoulder pain.
“You need both sides of the coin,” he argues.
“Being flexible doesnt mean youre mobile, but being mobile likely initiates you becoming more flexible.”
TL;DR: Hyperflexible people can stretch into certain positions, but not necessarily with control.
Asecond reviewpublished inThe British Medical Journalfound that stretching also doesn’t reduce muscle soreness in the days following exercise.
So again, the best movement routine doesn’t choose between flexibility vs. mobility it incorporates both regularly.
Ready to improve your flexibilityandyour mobility?
