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Exercises for Mobility and Functional Strength

Foam Rolling Routine

How to Foam Roll Your Lower Legs - Gastrocnemius, Soleus, Flexor Hallucis Longus, Tibialis Anterior, Peroneus Longus, Brevis, and Tertius, and Soles of Feet:

 

An Introduction to 90/90 Hip Mobility Exercises

90/90 hip mobility work is highly effective for improving functional range of motion of your hip joints.

Before beginning 90/90 work, I suggest warming up your spine, particularly your lower spine, as sitting in the 90/90 position can put some strain on your spine and surrounding soft tissues, and thoroughly warming up your back will decrease risk of straining muscles and ligaments in and around your spine. Read more

 

Standing Push-ups Using Gym Rings for Upper Body Mobility and Core Strength

If doing full body weight dips or push-ups close to the ground aren't possible for your current circumstances but you are still curious about using gym rings to improve your upper body and core strength, you can do modified push-ups on your rings as you are leaning slightly forward. Read more

 

Push-Up Progressions Using Gymnastics Rings

Doing push-ups with gymnastics rings is a challenging way to improve upper body strength while simultaneously improve core strength and balance.

Begin in a modified push-up position with your knees on the ground and your hands on gym rings.

At the top of the push-up position, with your arms straight, elbows locked, supinate your forearms, then allow your forearms to return to a natural position and lower yourself down to do a push-up. Read more

 

Negative Body Levers to Develop Core Strength

If you feel comfortable with basic plank poses, side twists, arches, and crunches, to further develop functional core strength, you can add negative body levers to your training routine.

You'll need a comfortable surface to lie back on - a yoga mat or gym mats work well - as well as a strong anchor point that you can secure your hands on behind your head. Read more

 

A Simple Mobility Routine

This is a simple full body mobility routine that you can do anywhere.

Begin by rolling your shoulders in small circles to warm up your scapulae.

Move to arm circles, forward and backward, to warm up your shoulder joints - aim to keep your trunk facing forward.

Take your neck through flexion, extension, right and left rotation, right and left lateral flexion, then slow full circles clockwise and counter-clockwise. Read more

 

Shoulder Dislocates to Improve Shoulder Mobility

This is a simple and highly effective shoulder mobility exercise that you can do anywhere.

Lie prone on a comfortable surface and begin with a towel or scarf outstretched above your head - you want to keep your elbows locked out, and maintain enough tension on the towel or scarf to keep it taut. Read more

 

Controlled Articular Rotations While Standing

Controlled Articular Rotations (CARs) are a staple of Functional Range Conditioning, a system of improving human mobility taught by Dr. Andreo Spina.

For those who have trouble getting to the ground to exercise, this video provides a look at some CARs that one can do while standing.

As you should do with all exercises, please be mindful of breathing regularly and deeply as you do CARs. You can linger in areas where you feel some stickiness. Read more

 

Doing Shadow Work in Water to Improve Technique and Strength of Movement Patterns

If you take your body through specific movement patterns on a regular basis and can benefit from improving strength and technique of said patterns, you might consider doing some training while partially submerged in water.

The resistance that water provides allows for functional strength-building, and also encourages focus on quality of movement that invariably requires involvement of your core. Read more

 

A Simple Shoulder Mobility Exercise Routine

You can do this routine anywhere; the benefit of doing it in a pool is the bit of resistance that your arms have to move through for parts of this routine, which promotes improved strength and is a good reminder to focus on taking your arms through controlled quality movement. Read more

 

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