Now that I’m aging gracefully, I hear the term, functional mobility, used a lot more, or maybe it is because I pay more attention to my movement these days. The ability to move freely and easily is something most of us take for granted – it’s automatic and allows us to function painlessly and effortlessly. When we begin to age, if we do too much, move in a certain way, or don’t move enough, we often notice our immobility. For some, the shift in mobility can begin as early as their 30s with a decline in muscle mass or bone density.
What is functional mobility and what does it mean?
Functional mobility is defined as the manner in which people are able to move around in the environment in order to participate in the activities of daily living, and move from place to place.
Functional mobility is doing everyday things like walking, bending, getting up out of bed, rising from a chair, reaching for a can in the pantry, and turning your neck as you back out of a parking lot and other basic activities. We want the full range of motion and capacity to do so without pain. Right?
As we age, our bodies start to talk to us. If we don’t listen, in time, the talking turns into yelling - translated into aches, pains, stiffness and more – all which limit our mobility, and even our core ability to function.
So, what’s the big deal?
We all have parts of us that are out of balance that cause movement limitations – we take a fall, we bump into a chair, we stub our toe, and other impact incidents we don’t always notice – especially when we’re younger. The body often compensates for us so we can keep going. If we are not in pain, why bother addressing it? And many times, we don’t we just keep on moving until one day we wake up and we can’t.
All those months and sometimes years of compensating have compromised our ability to move correctly, and poor movement habits lead to further injury. Correcting and improving movement is a preventative measure meant to maintain our longevity. Physical therapists use specific exercises to help improve your functional mobility, which may include:
Strengthening exercises
Range of motion exercises
Flexibility exercises
Balance exercises
Fortunately, a good yoga practice includes all of these components and more. Yoga is something you learn by doing. The poses or asanas are specifically designed to keep you flexible, strong, and balanced when practiced regularly. What yoga offers is a path that keeps you moving. It helps to focus your attention on your body, mind, and spirit so you can hear clearly what your body is telling you.
As a regular yoga practitioner for over 20 years, yoga has served as my true north when it comes to assessing my mobility, health, peace of mind, and inner well-being.
While yoga is not a substitute a panacea, it can be your faithful companion as you work to regain your functional mobility.
Take a leap of faith as many have and see if you feel better. Yoga is powerful medicine for the body, mind, and spirit. Above all, remember that yoga is a path - the longer you stay with it and the more heart you put into the journey, the farther it will take you.
Holiday Gift Certificates Available Now through January 31, 2019
June W.
Give the gift of life to yourself and/or someone you care about. Movement is life! “Use it or lose it,” rings true, yet requires effort, discipline, and knowledge.
Meet June W. who gave herself the gift or yoga and read her story.
Buy a Holiday Gift Certificate for a private lesson at a special holiday price to learn more about how to move with awareness. You may also purchase your holiday gift certificate directly from Rachel.