🤸‍♀️ Mobility vs Flexibility: What’s the Difference?

Hey team,

Let’s clear something up: mobility and flexibility aren’t the same thing. They’re like cousins—related, but definitely not identical.

• Flexibility is your muscle’s ability to stretch. Picture sitting on the floor and reaching for your toes.

• Mobility is how well your joints can move through their range with control. Think of dropping into a deep squat with your heels planted and chest up.

Here’s the catch—you can be flexible without actually moving well. That’s why you might be able to touch your toes but still struggle with a clean squat or overhead press.

Why it matters

Good mobility makes your lifts safer, keeps you moving smoothly, and helps undo the “study slouch” from hours at the desk. It’s the difference between forcing a position and owning it.

Your 5–8 Minute Mobility Reset

Do this before training or whenever you’re feeling stiff:

1. World’s Greatest Stretch – 1 min each side

2. 90/90 Hip Rotations – 1–2 mins

3. Wall Angels – 1 min

4. Banded Shoulder Pass-Throughs – 1–2 mins

5. Deep Squat Hold – 1–2 mins

   
   

Desk-to-Gym Quick Flow

If you’ve been hunched over a laptop all day:Cat-Cow x 10 → Hip Flexor Stretch (30 sec each side) → Thoracic Rotations x 5 per side → 10 Bodyweight Squats.

Bottom line? Stretching helps, but mobility is what really lets you move well and stay injury-free. If you’ve got a stubborn tight spot, come see us—we’ll help you get it moving again.

As always, if you have any questions or are dealing with some annoying aches and pains. Book in and we can help!

Move well,

Tim Chen

Physiotherapist

University Physio

Kate Edger Building Level 3