Flexibility and mobility are two fitness-related terms that are used interchangeably. However, it turns out that flexibility and mobility are different fitness skills that can affect your OCR training and race performance in different ways.

First, let’s look at the difference between flexibility and mobility.

Flexibility

Flexibility relates more to your muscles. It’s the passive lengthening of a muscle or group of muscles. For flexibility, think static stretches (like touching your toes) that you hold for a certain period of time. These types of stretches will increase your flexibility.

Mobility

On the other hand, mobility is more active than passive. And mobility relates more to a joint than a muscle. Your mobility is determined by your ability to actively move through a specific joint’s range of motion. When certain movements feel limited, then it might be because you lack mobility. This is important in OCR training because a lack of mobility can also limit your performance.

Which is Better for OCR – Flexibility or Mobility?

Both! It’s important to work on both flexibility and mobility as part of your OCR training.

Because obstacles will involve various multi-directional movements, improving your mobility will increase your strength and efficiency in these different positions.

At the same time, you might find yourself in irregular or awkward positions while training and racing. In these cases, increasing your flexibility will improve your ability to stay in these positions without getting injured.

Improving Flexibility and Mobility

• Mobility work is best done as part of your warm-up or as a stand-alone, targeted training session. Mobility exercises done before training will prepare your joints and make it possible for you to use a broader range of motion.
• Flexibility work and exercises are best done after training when your muscles are already warmed up.

To learn more about the programs and classes we’re currently offering at Desert Shield Fitness, contact us today.