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Exercises for Mobility and Functional Strength

Rickson Squats for Core Strength and Spinal & Hip Mobility

Posted by Dr. Ben Kim on Dec 06, 2016
Exercises for Mobility and Functional Strength
Hip Mobility Exercises

Rickson squats are a staple exercise in jiu jitsu - they're excellent for developing functional core strength and improving mobility throughout the spine and hips.

Be sure that you are warmed up before doing Rickson squats. Ideally, you want to be perspiring a bit, which indicates that your blood is flowing nicely through all of your soft tissues. Read more

 

Using Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) to Improve Hip Flexor Health and Hip Mobility

Posted by Dr. Ben Kim on Dec 01, 2016
Exercises for Mobility and Functional Strength
Hip Mobility Exercises

Since the 1950s, rehab specialists have used proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) to lengthen shortened tissues and improve joint mobility.

PNF involves alternating between stretching the target muscle group and contracting the same muscle group while it is lengthened. Read more

 

Exercises to Improve Spinal Extension and Core Strength

Posted by Dr. Ben Kim on Nov 16, 2016
Exercises for Mobility and Functional Strength
Core Strength

Here, I am using a makeshift back strap anchored to stall bars to work on spinal extension.

If you don't have access to these tools, you can use a gym ball for the initial passive stretch, or even a large ottoman or workout bench.

For the active extension exercises, you can use a back extension machine at a local gym or have a friend anchor your legs to a stable surface while your upper body hinges over it. Read more

 

Lumbar Mobility Exercise

Posted by Dr. Ben Kim on Nov 14, 2016
Exercises for Mobility and Functional Strength
Spinal Mobility Exercises

This is a highly effective mobility exercise to improve rotation through the lumbar and lower thoracic spinal regions.

Begin face down on a comfortable surface. Raise your right leg behind you and try to touch the ground to your left with your right foot - you can use your arms for balance and support as you do this. Repeat with your left foot, then alternate for several repetitions. Read more

 

Essential Strengthening Exercises for Better Balance

Posted by Dr. Ben Kim on Nov 07, 2016
Exercises for Mobility and Functional Strength

This video demonstrates a series of strengthening exercises for your gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles - these muscles lie on the outside of your hips and serve to stabilize your pelvis as you're standing or moving on your feet. Read more

 

Stick Mobility Exercises

Posted by Dr. Ben Kim on Nov 02, 2016
Exercises for Mobility and Functional Strength
Mobility Exercise Routines

This video demonstrates some movement patterns that you can do with a long stick or dowel.

Using a stick to take your shoulders through these and other movements can help you identify and work through restrictions in joint mobility. Read more

 

Plyometric Jumps for Improving Balance and Hip and Ankle Mobility

Posted by Dr. Ben Kim on Nov 02, 2016
Exercises for Mobility and Functional Strength
Balance & Agility Exercises

Plyometric jumps are typically used to improve explosive strength.

I find they are excellent for improving balance and the ability to sit in a deep squat, which is helpful for hip and ankle mobility.

Let the focus be landing softly with balance - you should make first contact with the balls of your feet and end with your heels in contact with your landing surface. Aim to maintain your balance in a deep squat for several seconds upon landing. Read more

 

Hanging and Swinging Exercises for Improved Shoulder and Spinal Mobility

Posted by Dr. Ben Kim on Oct 26, 2016
Exercises for Mobility and Functional Strength
Shoulder Mobility Exercises

For an overview of exercise progressions that you can work at to improve your mobility and balance in a systematic way, please feel free to visit our Mobility Exercise Progressions page here:

Mobility Exercise Progressions

For some suggestions on how to set up a simple workout area at home, please feel free to view: Read more

 

Unilateral Modified Bridge to Improve Spinal Extension

Posted by Dr. Ben Kim on Oct 17, 2016
Exercises for Mobility and Functional Strength
Spinal Mobility Exercises

This is an excellent exercise for improving extension through the spine. Insufficient extension is a common root issue for those who experience chronic back stiffness and recurrent pulls throughout the back.

Start on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Read more

 

German Hang for Shoulder Extension and Arm Strength

Posted by Dr. Ben Kim on Sep 26, 2016
Exercises for Mobility and Functional Strength
Shoulder Mobility Exercises

The German Hang is excellent for improving shoulder extension and strength through the arms, including grip strength. Read more

 

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