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Exercises for Mobility and Functional Strength

How to Improve Balance and Proprioception

After posting a clip of a simple game that can be used to improve joint position sense and balance, I received a number of messages from readers asking for ways to work on proprioception when one doesn't have a partner to work with. Read more

 

Rotational Movement For Healthier Shoulders

One of the most common reasons for having pain while using arms overhead is having limited rotation through the glenohumeral (shoulder) joints.

Having a healthy range of internal and external rotation through your shoulder joints will help ensure that you can use your arms overhead without unnecessary restrictions. Read more

 

7 Mobility Exercises for Better Posture

This is a routine of mobility exercises that can help address chronic shoulder and upper back pain and stiffness. You can find more details on doing each of the exercises described below by searching for them in our Mobility Exercises Archive.

Start with Cow-Cat, alternating between full flexion and extension of the spine while on all fours. Read more

 

Gentle Rolling and Deck Squats to Improve Spinal Mobility, Core Strength, and Balance

If your circumstances are such that tumbling on foam flooring isn't possible, I would suggest making use of a mattress or even a stack of gym mats that gives you about 6 to 8 inches of stable cushioning. Read more

 

Indian Club Exercises for Improved Shoulder and Spinal Mobility

Indian clubs are incredibly useful for improving shoulder and spinal mobility. They come in a variety of materials and weights. When first starting with them, whether you have limitations or not, it's generally wise to begin with the lightest clubs you can find. I suggest starting with 1-pound clubs and gradually working up to 2 or 3 pound clubs only if you feel that your shoulders can use more weight. The maximum weight that I find I need for an excellent shoulder workout is 5 pounds. In this video, I am using 3-pound wooden clubs. Read more

 

7-Minute Full Body Mobility Routine

This is a full body mobility routine that can be done while standing and without any equipment.

If longevity and functional strength are priorities, you want to focus on mobility of your joints above all else.   Read more

 

3 Fundamental Exercises for Functional Core Strength

To develop core strength via forearm plank pose, press your elbows strongly into the ground to keep your shoulder blades separated (protracted), keep your head neutral (not extended up), and try to maintain a straight line through your shoulders, hips, and ankles. Read more

 

This Stretch Is Essential For Optimal Spinal and Shoulder Mobility

I find that many people are extremely tight through the side of their torso, which limits overall spinal and shoulder mobility and increases risk of experiencing sprains and strains throughout the back.

To stretch the lats and obliques, hang from one arm and place the same side foot to the rear and opposite side of the body. Read more

 

Full Body Conditioning Drill That Improves Shoulder Function

If you experience shoulder pain when you elevate your arms to your side or all the way overhead, this may be due to a tight shoulder capsule that is causing the round ball of your arm bone to ride too high in your shoulder socket.

Often, the range that is most restricted is internal rotation of the shoulder joint. Read more

 

A Highly Functional Way to Lengthen Your Hamstrings

This is one of my favourite ways of lengthening the hamstrings. It’s somewhat of a blend between a back kick and a side kick in TaeKwonDo.

Keeping your hamstrings at a healthy length allows for optimal mobility through your lower back, pelvis, and knees. Read more

 

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