Great question! While mobility and flexibility are related, they’re not the same thing. Here's a simple breakdown:
🔄 Flexibility
Definition:
The ability of a muscle or muscle group to lengthen passively through a range of motion.
Example:
Touching your toes while keeping your legs straight shows hamstring flexibility.
Focus:
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Stretching muscles
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Passive range of motion
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Often static (like holding a stretch)
🔁 Mobility
Definition:
The ability of a joint to move actively through its full range of motion, controlled by strength and flexibility.
Example:
A deep squat without your heels lifting off the ground shows ankle, hip, and spine mobility.
Focus:
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Joint movement
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Active control
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Often dynamic (like moving through lunges, shoulder circles, or mobility drills)
🧠 Easy way to remember:
Flexibility is about length,
Mobility is about control through movement.
Why it matters:
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You can be flexible but lack mobility (e.g., you can stretch your leg with your hand, but can’t lift it that high without help).
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Good mobility is key for injury prevention, functional strength, and better performance in workouts and daily life.