Jennifer Aniston’s trainer, Dani Coleman, swears by mobility exercises—and she says we should too. I agree, but sometimes it can be hard to know where to start. There are so many moves that mobilize our bodies and relieve muscle tension that it's difficult to choose.
To make things a little easier, trainer Michael Dean has shared a four-move routine that targets some common problem areas: the back, hips and knees. According to Dean, these stretches can also relieve sciatica. Scroll down to see how to do them.
How to do the mobility stretches
Dean recommends dedicating just a few minutes a day to these exercises to improve mobility and manage discomfort.
Benefits of mobility exercises
Mobility refers to how far your body can comfortably move through a range of motion. Incorporating mobility training nto your week can enhance your flexibility and make moving feel a little easier. Taking regular mobility breaks from your desk might help you avoid aches and pains at the end of the day, too.
Flexibility may also be associated with longevity. A study in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports found a correlation between physical flexibility and reduced mortality rates in middle-aged men and women. Other research also suggests that mobility is linked to better cardiovascular health.
Pairing your mobility session with gentle breath awareness can double as a stress-busting session—perfect for winding down after a hectic day.
If you'd like a longer routine that can boost your mobility, try doing these yoga stretches for beginners or this morning yoga flow.
