Troy Hurst holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Carroll University. He is a physical therapist specializing in both athletic and vestibular rehabilitation with an emphasis on performance running.
Imagine being able to reach for that item on the top shelf without feeling any stiffness or pain in your shoulders, or being able to comfortably turn your head while driving without any tension in your neck.
Having good upper-body mobility is essential for everyday tasks and can also improve your overall quality of life.
Whether you’re an athlete who is looking to enhance your performance or someone who just wants to move more freely, these 10 upper-body mobility exercises can help you achieve your goal.
But first, what exactly is upper-body mobility? How do you know if you have good mobility or not? And most importantly, how can you improve it?
Let’s answer these questions and learn more about upper-body mobility and its importance.
Upper-body mobility refers to the range of motion and flexibility in your shoulders, arms, neck, and upper back. It means that you’re able to:
Several factors can contribute to poor upper-body mobility, but most of us experience it due to sedentary lifestyles and a lack of proper stretching and movement.
As many of us spend most of our days sitting in front of a computer or hunched over our phones, our upper-body muscles become tight and weak, which leads to limited mobility.
There are a few simple tests you can do to check your upper-body mobility. While performing these tests, you’ll be checking whether you can move your upper body freely, without any pain or restrictions.
You’ll also be looking for any imbalances or asymmetries in your mobility. Here are three tests you can try:
These tests assess your mobility in the shoulders and upper-back area.
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Your arms should be able to reach close to your ears without pain. Look for smooth movement without any jerks or stiffness.
Your goal should be to reach at least 90 degrees of external shoulder rotation (forearms perpendicular to the ground with hands pointed straight up) and 70-90 degrees of internal shoulder rotation (hands almost perpendicular to the ground with hands pointed straight down). Again, look for smooth and pain-free movement. Note any difference in range of motion between the right and left shoulders.
Read more: 5 Flexibility Exercises for a More Supple You
These tests assess your mobility in the neck area.
You should be able to comfortably turn your head without any pain or restrictions and your nose should be able to get almost in line with your shoulder.
The movement should be smooth and without discomfort. Your chin should touch or come close to your chest during flexion.
These tests assess your mobility in the upper-back area.
You should be able to extend back over the backrest of the chair without pain or discomfort.
You should be able to comfortably rotate your upper body without any pain or restrictions. Your hips and lower back should remain stable during this movement.
Getting a flexible upper body requires a multi-faceted approach and you must incorporate proper stretching, strengthening, and movement into your daily routine. Here are a few tips to help you improve your upper-body mobility:
Stretching is one of the most effective ways to improve upper-body mobility and flexibility (1). Pick a few neck, shoulder, and upper back stretches and add them to your daily routine. Focus on holding each stretch for at least 30 seconds and performing them regularly.
Weak muscles can also contribute to poor mobility. Include exercises that strengthen your upper-body muscles such as push-ups, rows, and overhead presses. Building strength in these areas will improve your mobility and help prevent injuries.
Contrary to outdated medical advice and the general media, no posture is inherently “good” or “bad”. Research has shown that postural variability is the most important factor for reducing posture-related pain, injury, and dysfunction. Therefore, no modality or form of exercise can help you achieve “good” posture, as there is no such thing. However, postural awareness, postural control, and postural stability are all improvable factors that exercise and education can help with. These things contribute to avoiding prolonged postures that may lead to problems.
By varying your posture at least every 30 minutes and getting up and moving at least every hour, you’ll significantly reduce your risk of posture-related pain, strain, and dysfunction.
One trick to help improve posture is to set reminders throughout the day to check in with your posture. You can even use a posture-correcting device or app if necessary.
Sitting for extended periods can cause stiffness in the upper body (3). Set reminders to get up and move around every hour. A simple walk around the office or a few stretches can help keep your upper body from getting too tight.
Some upper-body exercises to improve your mobility include:
An upper-body flexibility program is beneficial for anyone who is looking to improve their range of motion and prevent injuries. It can be particularly helpful for individuals who:
The best way to determine if an upper-body flexibility program is right for you is to consult a healthcare professional or certified fitness trainer. They can assess your current level of flexibility and provide personalized recommendations based on your goals and needs.
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The difference between stretching and mobility is often misunderstood. While both are important for improving flexibility, they have different purposes and benefits.
Stretching involves elongating a specific muscle or group of muscles to improve their length and range of motion. It typically involves holding a static position for an extended period, such as 30 seconds or more. The goal of stretching is to increase muscle elasticity, relieve tension, and improve overall flexibility (4).
Regular stretching can also help prevent injury by preparing the muscles for physical activity. Some common types of stretching include static, dynamic, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretches (4).
Mobility refers to the ability to move freely and easily through a range of motion. It involves muscle flexibility and joint health and stability. Mobility exercises aim to improve the function of joints, muscles, and connective tissue to enhance overall movement patterns and performance (5).
Unlike stretching, mobility exercises are often dynamic and involve moving through various positions or ranges of motion. They can help prevent injury, improve athletic performance, and support daily activities.
While some calisthenics exercises can help improve mobility, it’s not solely focused on mobility training. A dedicated mobility program will specifically target joint health and range of motion through a variety of exercises and techniques. Calisthenics is a form of body weight exercise that involves using your own body weight as resistance to build strength, endurance, and flexibility (6). You cannot force your body to be flexible without risking injury. Flexibility takes time and consistent effort to improve. Trying to force yourself into a stretch beyond your current range of motion can cause strain or tears in the muscles, ligaments, or tendons. It’s important to listen to your body and progress gradually when working on increasing flexibility. A non-flexible person can become more flexible with consistent practice and proper techniques. Flexibility isn’t limited to genetics and anyone can improve their range of motion with dedication and patience. However, some individuals may have a higher natural level of flexibility due to factors such as joint structure or previous training in activities that require flexibility. The fastest way to fix tight muscles is by incorporating a combination of stretching, foam rolling, and mobility exercises into your routine. These techniques can help release tension and improve flexibility in the targeted muscle groups. It’s important to remember to progress gradually and listen to your body during these exercises in order to avoid injury. In addition, addressing any underlying issues such as poor posture or muscle imbalances can help alleviate tightness. If you’re experiencing chronic or severe muscle tightness, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional to get personalized recommendations. Frequently Asked Questions
Is calisthenics a mobility program?
Can I force my body to be flexible?
Can a non-flexible person become flexible?
What is the fastest way to fix tight muscles?
Having good upper-body mobility is essential for performing daily tasks and physical activities without limitations.
By regularly performing these tests and incorporating stretching, strengthening, and proper movement into your routine, you can improve your upper-body mobility and prevent injuries and pain.
Remember to listen to your body and start slowly if you’re new to exercising or have any pre-existing conditions. With consistency and patience, you can work toward a more flexible upper body.
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