In the field of health and wellbeing, ‘mobility’ is all about being able to get from point A to point B with as much ease as possible. This could mean getting out of a chair, getting up off the ground, or getting out for a walk in nature — whatever matters most to you!
Although mobility can decrease with age, there are plenty of things we can do to preserve or even improve what we have. Think of the muscles, ligaments and joint capsules in our body being like clay. When warmed up and gently, consistently stretched, they can change their shape more easily.
Jennifer Smallridge, Accredited Exercise Physiologist, shares three simple movements to add to your daily routine. Give them a try and see if you start to notice the difference.
Seated Twists
As it forms the axis of our entire body, the spine is the perfect place to start to work on your mobility. In a seated position, give yourself a hug and gently turn from side to side. Repeat 10 times.
Neck Nods
Holding our heads up all day can be hard work! Show your neck some love by gently looking up and down, like a slow, exaggerated ‘yes’ motion. Repeat 10 times.
Ankle Circles
When ankles stiffen up, it can make activities such as walking and climbing stairs feel more difficult. Get in the habit of circling your ankles regularly to help keep them mobile and happy.
About the author
Jennifer Smallridge is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, writer and academic lecturer with 10 years of clinical experience. She particularly loves helping people to understand the “why” behind exercise. She has a special interest in pain and fatigue, and was a finalist for ESSA’s Exercise Physiologist of the Year in 2018. Her favourite type of exercise is dancing and walking her dog Barney.