Find Local Mobility Classes and Training Near You

The Benefits of Mobility Training

Mobility refers to the ability to move joints freely through a full range of motion. Dedicated mobility training aims to maintain or improve that range of motion and joint health so you can stay active and injury-free.

Especially as we age, everyday movement patterns can lead to short, tight muscles and stiff joints. Limited mobility then increases the risk for strains or tears during exercise. It also contributes to poor posture and back pain.

A consistent mobility program helps counteract these effects. The activities lengthen tissues, lubricate joints, and enhance neuromuscular coordination. Over time, you become more supple and move with greater ease.

Benefits of Improved Mobility

A regular mobility practice offers widespread benefits:

• Fuller range of motion and flexibility
• Injury prevention
• Better posture
• Less back and joint pain
• Enhanced performance in sports and activities
• Improved balance and coordination
• Increased blood flow and circulation
• Greater ease with daily tasks

Finding Local Mobility Classes

One of the best ways to improve mobility is to take a structured class. Expert instructors guide you safely through the most effective motions for your needs and abilities. Classes also provide camaraderie and accountability to keep you consistent.

Types of Mobility Classes

Various group class formats focus specifically on mobility:

Yoga

Gentle or beginner yoga classes emphasize moving through full ranges of motion and holding poses to increase flexibility. Trying styles like hatha, vinyasa flow, or yin yoga.

Pilates

Pilates teaches precise movements that target mobility in the spine, hips, and other areas central to overall flexibility. Mat pilates and reformer pilates modalities are accessible options.

Barre

Barre workouts incorporate principles from yoga, Pilates, and ballet to improve mobility through the legs, hips, and core required for functional fitness and agility.

Gyrokinesis

Gyrokinesis uses flowing, rhythmic motions through every joint and plane of motion along with corresponding breathwork for whole body mobility benefits.

Feldenkrais

The Feldenkrais Method utilizes gentle sequencing to help reconnect the brain and nervous system with the body to eliminate limitations in movement over time.

Mobility-Focused CrossFit

Many CrossFit boxes design classes catered toward improving mobility through extensive dynamic warm-ups so athletes can safely perform skills and workout regimes.

Pre- or Post-Workout Classes

Standard gyms may offer dedicated mobility sessions before strength training or metabolic conditioning to ready the body, or after as part of active recovery.

How to Find Mobility Classes Near You

Use these tips and resources to locate mobility-promoting group fitness classes in your local area:

• Ask about appropriate options at your current gym
• Search on ClassPass for filtered choices by class type
• Browse yoga studios and Pilates studios near your zip code
• Check community center or park district fitness schedules
• Search Google Maps for key terms like mobility training or flexibility classes along with your city name
• Search Facebook or Eventbrite listings for mobility classes
• Check bulletin boards at natural food stores, running stores, etc for fliers

Consult each facilitys class descriptions to ensure the level and approach match your needs and abilities. Trying a single class allows you to experience the instruction style before purchasing a package.

Build a Custom Mobility Plan at Home

If getting to in-person classes poses challenges for your schedule, budget, or transportation, know you can still improve mobility with free or low-cost online resources guiding you through movements at home. This requires more self-motivation but allows total control to customize your activities.

Digital Programs Offering Mobility Routines

Many digital fitness subscriptions and apps provide extensive libraries of mobility programs to choose from. A few top-rated options include:

ROMWOD

Range-of-Motion Workout of the Day (ROMWOD) offers detailed daily mobility sessions for active individuals and athletes. The videos demonstrate proper form to increase ROM, prevent injury, and enhance performance.

Glo

This extensive on-demand video platform publishes new mobility classes weekly alongside other modalities like yoga, Pilates, meditation, etc. Filter for flexibility videos or try mobility-centric instructors.

Peloton

Known primarily for cycling and tread workouts, Peloton also provides strength, yoga, and guided stretching classes with a focus on joint health and injury prevention.

Ob Fitness

Choose from over 6,000 exercise videos here, including Mobility as a main fitness category. Instructors lead stimulating sequences to boost flexibility and balance.

Daily Burn

This popular digital gym offers specific class series like Mobility 101, Anatomy of Flexibility, or Prevent & Recover to restore range of motion and address muscle imbalances.

Tier X

Founded by Kelly Starrett, an expert in mobility and movement health, Tier X shares extensive daily video programming to resolve pain, improve mobility, and enhance performance.

The Ready State

Created by ex-professional dancer Kathryn Morgan, this membership site provides targeted programs, tutorials, and schedules tailored to help dancers or anyone wanting to improve movement quality and ease.

These platforms each offer free trial periods so you can determine if the instruction style and program suits your needs before paying any subscription fees. Most also allow customization to your level and areas needing focus.

Tips for Building Your Own Routine

If selecting from digital platforms still feels overwhelming or expensive, start simple by using YouTube for free video resources on targeted mobility exercises and stretches from physical therapists or fitness professionals. Aim for a 10- to 30-minute routine 2 to 3 days a week. Here are some sequence guidelines:

Warm Up 5 minutes of light cardio like walking or biking to raise body temperature, followed by dynamic warm-up moves that take joints through full active ranges of motion to prepare for stretching.

Target Stretching 10 to 15 minutes focusing on tight, problematic areas holding you back. Use self-myofascial release tools like foam rollers or therapy balls to loosen tissues before static stretching.

Full-Body Mobility 5 to 10 minutes smoothly flowing major joints through open ranges neck, shoulders, rib cage, hips, knees, ankles using body weight and props like resistance bands.

Balance/Coordination 5 minutes finishing with exercises like single leg balances or agility ladder patterns to reinforce mobility gains neurologically and prevent falls.

Focus on maintaining proper alignment and not overstretching. Also try simple daily mobility habits like bodyweight squats while brushing teeth.

Incorporate Mobility With a Trainer

Working one-on-one with a personal trainer, physical therapist, Feldenkrais practitioner, or other specialist allows fully customized programming catered to your precise mobility limitations and desired activities. Hands-on assisted stretching also helps relax muscles effectively.

Just be sure to select providers experienced specifically in mobility modalities, not just traditional strength training, for the most benefit. Ask for referrals from local studios or seek out independent coaches with proven backgrounds. Search sites like Thumbtack or social media for potential candidates nearby. Be prepared for higher hourly rates than standard gym trainers to get dedicated mobility expertise guiding your sessions.

You may only require a handful of private sessions to identify your mobility restrictions then receive a tailored routine for self-management between appointments. Some clinics also offer semi-private small group mobility training for cost savings.

The Time to Improve Mobility is Now

No matter your current activity level, age, or mobility status, consistent training for flexibility and ease of motion delivers immense quality of life perks. From reduced pain and heightened performance to injury prevention and confidence in everyday movement, improved mobility lets you pursue lifes adventures to the fullest. Contact your local fitness centers and mobility specialists to find an accessible option matching your needs and schedule today.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.