As the body ages, loss of strength leads to a myriad of issues and strength declines naturally if preventive measures are not taken. Muscular strength plays a role in daily living activities such as walking, getting out of a chair and even balance.
Research and experts emphasize the importance of maintaining strength as we age in order to maintain function in daily routines. Perhaps just as important as maintaining strength though is retaining flexibility and mobility. Often forgotten components of fitness, flexibility and mobility stand as key aspects in all daily routines.
Flexibility is the extent of your range of motion while mobility refers to how well you can move through that range of motion. For example, if you were to measure the flexibility in and around the muscles of the shoulder joint, the test would include reaching one hand behind your neck and reaching the other hand behind your back — the goal being to get the fingers as close together as possible.
How well you can move to the extreme ends of your range of motion is considered your mobility. For example, how well you can reach up above your head, out in front of you, behind you and to all other directions makes up your shoulder mobility.
Just like muscular strength, if neglected, mobility and flexibility naturally decline with age. Flexibility and mobility play a vital role in balance and simple daily tasks, often going unnoticed until an issue arises.
The first step in maintaining these important components is to continue your daily routines as normally as possible. Continue to take the stairs, reach for the top shelf and other movements that may begin to seem challenging. Ceasing an activity or motion starts a vicious cycle of underutilization leading to weakness and tightness of muscles.
Another important step in keeping function at optimal levels is intentional movement practice. Incorporate a daily stretching routine into your fitness program, holding stretches for 30 seconds to achieve full benefit. Also, consciously move your legs and arms through total ranges of motion in a slow and deliberate manner. Focus on reaching and lifting in all directions.
Proper mobility and flexibility ease the daily living tasks that could normally become difficult and trying. Don’t let the mere fact of increasing years hold you back from your routine and hobbies. Take steps today to preserve your function by focusing on flexibility and mobility.