The Missing Link in Functional Training for Pilates Teachers
Joint mobility, the unsung hero of strength training, is not just your warm-up, cool-down, or typical Pilates flow—it's a game-changer. Joint mobility is all about identifying our joint limitations and addressing them systematically, following the sacred strength principles of time under tension and progressive overload.
Every single movement in the human body is about articulating one bone relative to another, when there is a lack of space then bone knocks into bone, a.k.a. sticky joints. Furthermore, where there is a lack of neurological control then tissue yields under load leading to an injury. Now, picture a laser beam and focus on one range in one joint at a time with the sole purpose of improving and increasing movement capacity. The main intent here is to train tissue to improve strength. The outcome is powerful and can result in increased movement capacity.
With Mobility gaining more and more popularity, it has become quite the buzzword. People are throwing it around like confetti and that's where the confusion happens.
I want to shed some light on the concept of joint mobility training and explain why it is essential for every teacher to acquire the necessary education to harness its transformative potential in their teaching.
As one of the few certified joint mobility specialists through the legendary Functional Range Systems here in Australia, I'm here to spill the beans.
Increasing joint capacity requires a different kind of input, far beyond what you see in conventional fitness and Pilates, or on your social media feed on the daily. And believe me, I've seen it all! As a clinically trained Pilates Teacher with a heavy focus on musculoskeletal conditions, I have earned my way to specialise in pre/post-rehabilitation training. I’m also qualified in manual therapy and have spent a whopping eight years studying anatomy outside of the realm of fitness.
But guess what? I still felt like something was missing—a crucial piece of the puzzle that would tie it all together.
In simpler terms, with joint mobility training, we're expanding space within our joints (sayonara, sticky icky joints!). We're strengthening the neglected ranges of motion and not just focusing on individual exercises. The goal is to train and increase tissue quality and resilience so that we can rock and roll both inside and outside the gym.
The work involved in joint mobility training is highly meticulous and focuses on specific areas, which sets it apart from Pilates. While Pilates aims to promote overall body health by incorporating movements throughout the entire body, joint mobility training hones in on upgrading a specific range within a particular joint. As a result, joint mobility training not only enhances flexibility but also offers the added benefit of improved neurological control, leading to functional strength that is evident in improved balance, stability, and reflexes.
Now, let me paint you a picture. Imagine you're hustling from work to pick up your mischievous little rascals at school, and you need to swing by the grocery store before heading home. You're on fire, ninja-style, navigating through your neighbourhood like a boss. But suddenly, disaster strikes! You drop your keys, and they land with a resounding splat on the ground. Cue the eye rolls and sighs of frustration. Without a second thought, you dive down to pick up those keys because, let's face it, nobody's going to pause, set the groceries down, and perform a deadlift to retrieve them.
That's not how our incredible human bodies move, my friends. Do you see where I'm going with this? This is precisely why joint-specific training is crucial. We should concentrate on enhancing each range in our joints to expand their capacity. This way, we build a body for the long haul that doesn't feel limited because of ageing. Think of movement as a treasure chest waiting to be discovered and the key to success is to broaden your knowledge and embrace diversity.
The first thing all my clients unanimously mention is the newfound sense of freedom in their movement and the elimination of any pain or feelings of tightness. The second thing is how much more they are able to enjoy their specific sport or Pilates sessions. I have yet to come across any person who is not amazed by the impact that joint mobility has had on their life. Most people, especially Pilates teachers, believe that they already incorporate mobility into their sessions. However, when they discover the distinction between movement expressions and joint mobility training, it serves as a wake-up call!
If you’re not incorporating joint mobility you are not doing enough for your joints. The stimulation required for our joints to exceed limitations and improve them is significantly different from conventional fitness and Pilates. Pilates enhances flexibility and strength across the entire range of an exercise. However, that is not synonymous with the end range of a joint. Furthermore, Pilates does not identify the specific range that needs to undergo construction.
The end goal is to add value and help people move better, allowing them to savour life's delightful moments to the fullest as well as looking good. So if integrating joint-specific training into your Pilates sessions sounds like this might be for you then read on. There is a distinction between information and knowledge: while information provides the theoretical facts, knowledge involves their practical application and this is the gap I’m aspiring to bridge.
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Ava is a clinical Pilates teacher, joint mobility specialist and manual therapist based in Neutral Bay Sydney, Australia. She travels the world presenting her unique education to like-minded individuals with a want to learn and grow.
Ava’s mobility certification teaches you how to sprinkle joint-mobility work into a pilates class, bridging the gap between theory and application. It’s a 12-week program rooted in the latest scientific principles of movement. You can find out more here, you can sample a free joint-specific hip-focused class here too.
***Recommendation
“Ava is an engaging and knowledgeable educator who has changed the way I think about and teach movement. She is able to take the complexity of joint mobility training and break it down into comprehensible chunks. Because of Ava I’m now better able to help my clients (and myself)! Highly recommend all of Ava’s courses and training if you want to take your teaching to the next level” – Shaine Falcone Fitness.