Strength Training vs Mobility Training

These two types of training are very different from each other, however, in order to progress in each of them, you need to train both separately. Yes, you understood correctly!!! Many times we are unable to progress in external loads, because our mobility/flexibility or range of motion are compromised. On the contrary, sometimes when we only work on mobility, we are more prone to joint and musculoskeletal injuries. That happens because the muscles involved may not have enough strength to support these broader movements that generate a lot of tension on the joints.

I will give you an example that is easy to understand and that may have some transfer to our body: If you have a suspension bridge where the concrete structure is good and strong, but the suspension cables are very weak. During an earthquake or storm, the bridge may collapse, as it is not able to absorb the external stresses to which it is subjected. On the other hand, if you have a suspension bridge with a weak structure and very strong suspension cables, the structure may break ("tear"), or snap. Because you have lot of tension on the support structure that is fragile.

So, from a very simplistic point of view, our body needs to exist in synergy between support and suspension. Our muscles have to be able to generate force to perform their functions. Which is why strength training is very important. However, our muscles, tendons and joints have to be able to have a good range of movement, flexibility and mobility to be able to operate at their maximum power.

When they have this range of movement and power, we are able to generate more force and we do not suffer as much from external impacts.

Note that we do not work on these two types of training together, but rather separately. Working with bigger range of motion (more the 90º angels) with high loads without the help of a professional it is dangerous and carries a very hight risk of injury.

👉 This article is very general and there are many variables that you need to be taken into account when you are preparing your training or recovering. Always ask for a physical health professional if you feel that you are limited or have doubts about your training.