Kyle Zange
I started in the fitness industry in 2015 as a Personal Trainer. Almost 9 years later I am a Human Foundations practitioner, a Pilates/Yoga instructor, a breathwork coach, and a Functional Mobility coach. My experience has taught me what method of training works best for the individual rather than a one size fits all answer. Here, I want to share what I've learned and build a community training clients online.
Flexibility vs MobilityYou've probably heard someone tell you that you need to stretch to become more flexible. You've also probably heard someone tell you that you need to do mobility. What's the difference? Flexibility is passivePassive flexibility is a bane on your movement quality. When it's time to get up and move, your muscles that you just stretched have learned how to turn off and be passive. This is not a good thing. If your hamstring turns off while you're walking down stairs, you're going to have a bad time. Mobility is Active FlexibilityActive flexibility is when you move your joint(s) through a range of motion, keeping the muscles stable with a degree of tension. For example, if you're doing a chest press and you're lowering the dumbbell down you are stretching your triceps (back of your arms). If you don't want the dumbbell to come crashing down on you it would be wise to keep a decent amount of tension on your triceps the entire time. If we went rock climbing and I was at the bottom holding the rope for you, when you want to come down I won't just let go of the rope. What does this look like in training?When that person told you that you should stretch, tell them they need to work on their mobility. Because now you know better. Flexibility for the sake of flexibility is bad. Mobility allows you to have Active Flexibility which is really, really good. 3 easy exercises for Active Flexibility:1. Standing leg lifts While standing, put your hand on something for balance (chair, wall, friend) then lift your leg with your knee bent. When your knee is as high as you can comfortably get it, straighten your leg. Doing this will stretch the back of your leg AND flex the front of your leg. If you practice your balance at the same time this is a win-win-win. 2. Standing 1 Arm Cable Row Bring the cable to shoulder height, stand facing the machine and row the cable by pulling your elbow back until it is in line with your ribs. Pull your shoulder blades back. Easy peezy. You get a chest stretch and a stronger back. You're winning. 3. Standing 1 Arm Cable Press Starting facing away from the cable machine, repeat the standing 1 arm cable row exercise, but in reverse. Super easy and you get to train your core at the same time. Tying it all togetherIf you make your muscles stronger while moving through a large range of motion, you will get more flexible without jeopardizing your movement quality. Movement quality should be your #1 priority. If you move better, you stress less. That's all it takes. Of course if you're like me, you want to know you're doing it right. Consider checking out some options below. When you're ready: Schedule a call
I'm always here to talk about life, your goals, and if us working together is something for you. If you haven't already, grab the free book The 3 Proven Methods To Change Your Body Other Articles you may be interested in: Subscribe to MoveMail to learn everything you need to know about Functional Mobility, Breathwork, and Heart Rate Training. Until then, have a wonderous day and live an awesome life, my friend. - Kyle |
From Coach Kyle's Brain on 2650 N Narragansett Ave, Chicago, IL 60634 |
Kyle Zange
I started in the fitness industry in 2015 as a Personal Trainer. Almost 9 years later I am a Human Foundations practitioner, a Pilates/Yoga instructor, a breathwork coach, and a Functional Mobility coach. My experience has taught me what method of training works best for the individual rather than a one size fits all answer. Here, I want to share what I've learned and build a community training clients online.