From getting up out of a chair to tying our shoes, how mobile we are is important for staying independent and allowing us to perform daily tasks.
Mobility tends to decline with age and prolonged sitting (something many of us do as part of our jobs) is a major contributor to our decreased mobility. Regularly practicing physical exercise is linked to improving outcomes for cancer patients both during and after treatment.
Our Life Now courses are facilitated by an accredited exercise physiologist and tailor-made for people affected by cancer. Thanks to generous donations from the WA community, courses are free for cancer patients and their primary carer.
To help get you started on improving your mobility, the team at LiveLighter have put together a few simple exercises you can do to get you moving and feeling your best!
What is mobility training?
Mobility training includes any movements working on flexibility, balance, and strength, with the aim of improving the range of motion of our joints and muscles. Mobility training focuses on how we function and move in our whole body rather than a single muscle group. It's easy to implement into our daily lives no matter how much time we have and often requires little to no equipment. It can be anything from a five minute warm-up to a full yoga class.
What are the benefits of mobility training?
- Reduces the risk of injury
- Promotes good posture
- Increases the range of movement
- Improves balance and stability
- Increases flexibility
- Helps us move with ease
How much mobility work do we need to do?
There are no specific guidelines for how much mobility work to do each day. Try starting with five minutes, five times a week, especially if you are someone who spends a lot of time sitting. The key to making this a habit is getting it to fit into your schedule.
How to fit it into your day
Think about the best time for you. Here are some things that work for us but remember that it has to fit in with your schedule and your preferences or it won't stick!
- When you wake up or before you go to bed
- During your lunch break
- Include it in a warm-up or cool-down routine
- At your desk or get the team together each day for a stretch break
- At the park while the kids play
Five mobility movements to get started with
Try these five movements, for five minutes, five times a week. Remember that all bodies are different, and feel free to adjust the moves to suit your needs. While it's normal to feel mild discomfort during a stretch, stop if you feel sharp or intense pain.
