The Importance of Movement and Mobility Assessments: Unlocking Your Full Potential
At American Strength Training Center, our approach to training goes beyond lifting heavy weights. We believe that optimal performance begins with a strong foundation, which is why every client starts with a movement and mobility assessment. This evaluation helps us understand your body’s current capabilities and limitations, so we can create personalized programming that enhances your mobility, reduces pain, and improves strength.
Why Mobility Matters for Strength Training
Mobility is the ability to move a joint through its full range of motion with control. Without adequate mobility in key areas like the ankles, hips, spine, and shoulders, your body can struggle to perform basic movements efficiently, leading to poor technique, reduced strength, and increased risk of injury.
Here’s how mobility (or the lack thereof) can affect your performance:
Ankle Mobility: Poor ankle mobility can impact your squat depth and stability. Without proper dorsiflexion, you may compensate by shifting your weight forward, placing extra stress on your knees and lower back.
Hip Mobility: The hips are the powerhouse of most lower body movements. Limited hip mobility can cause tightness and poor posture, leading to discomfort during exercises like deadlifts, squats, or lunges.
Spine Mobility: A lack of spine mobility can affect your ability to maintain a strong, stable position during overhead lifts and squats. It also plays a significant role in preventing lower back pain.
Shoulder Range of Motion: Restricted shoulder mobility can lead to compensation and injury during upper body movements like bench presses or overhead presses. Ensuring proper shoulder function is essential for developing strength and stability.
Our Mobility Assessment: Setting the Foundation for Success
When you start training at American Strength, our coaches perform a detailed mobility assessment to evaluate your current range of motion, flexibility, and movement patterns. This assessment covers key areas of the body, including:
Ankles
Hips
Spine
Shoulders
The results of this assessment allow us to identify any areas of limitation or imbalance, which we then address through customized programming. By targeting these areas, we help you move better, lift more effectively, and train pain-free.
Why We Begin with Mobility Assessments
As coaches, we believe that starting with a mobility assessment is crucial for building a strong, resilient athlete. When mobility is limited, it affects not only your performance but also your longevity in the sport. A focus on mobility helps you:
Reduce Injury Risk: Addressing mobility issues before diving into heavy lifting prevents compensations that can lead to injury.
Enhance Movement Efficiency: Improved mobility allows for smoother, more efficient movements, leading to better performance and reduced energy expenditure.
Maximize Strength Potential: When you can move through a full range of motion, you engage more muscle fibers and optimize strength development.
Ready to Move Better?
If you’re experiencing aches and pains or feel that your mobility might be limiting your progress, it’s time to prioritize a movement and mobility assessment. Contact us at American Strength Training Center to schedule your assessment and unlock your body’s true potential. Our coaches are here to guide you through every step of the process, so you can lift safely, effectively, and pain-free.
