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Move for Your Mind: The Mental Health Benefits of Mobility Training
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Move for Your Mind: The Mental Health Benefits of Mobility Training

Learn how Myotherapist and Mobility Specialist Maria Alimi utilises mobility training to enhance mental health.

How does mobility training help you feel more mentally focused and present during daily activities?

As a mobility specialist, I've seen firsthand how mobility training can enhance mental focus and presence in daily activities. For me, dedicating time to mobility exercises serves as a form of active meditation. When I engage in these practices, I become acutely aware of my body and its movements, allowing me to be more present in the moment. This heightened awareness translates into my daily tasks, where I can approach challenges with clarity and intention. Similarly, many of my clients have reported that after incorporating mobility routines, they feel less distracted and more grounded, which significantly improves their productivity.

Woman Stretching with a band

What is the connection between physical tension in the body and mental stress, and how can mobility exercises help alleviate both?

Physical tension in the body often results from mental stress, creating a feedback loop where tight muscles can increase feelings of anxiety and discomfort. Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which can exacerbate muscle tightness and fatigue. Mobility exercises help alleviate both by increasing range of motion and releasing built-up tension in muscles. They also promote better blood flow, flushing out stress hormones and enhancing recovery. Additionally, these exercises encourage mindfulness, providing a calming effect that reduces mental stress while improving overall movement quality. When the body is freer, the mind tends to follow, creating a more harmonious state.

Woman stretching

In your experience, how can a consistent mobility routine improve overall mental clarity and reduce feelings of anxiety or stress?

I've discovered that incorporating a consistent mobility routine into my daily life, even for just a few minutes, significantly boosts my mental clarity and reduces stress. I've experienced improved focus and a greater sense of calm. For example, when I faced racing thoughts and stress at work or in daily life, integrating gentle stretching with deep breathing helped me feel less overwhelmed and more in control.  

Woman stretching on a yoga mat

Are there specific mobility exercises that you recommend for someone looking to release both physical and mental tension?

For those looking to release both physical and mental tension, I recommend specific exercises such as hip openers, thoracic spine rotations, and neck stretches paired with deep breathing. These movements target common areas of tension while promoting relaxation and mindfulness. Incorporating elements like slow, intentional movements and breath awareness can further enhance the calming effects, making each movement an opportunity to connect with the body and mind.

Personal Trainer with her client

Can you share an example, either from your own experience or a client’s, where mobility training has led to both physical and mental improvements?

One notable example is a client with chronic lower back pain that was contributing to her anxiety. We developed a tailored mobility routine focused on gentle spinal movements and hip openers. Over several weeks, not only did her physical symptoms improve, but she also experienced a significant reduction in anxiety. She began to feel a sense of empowerment over her body and capabilities, approaching daily challenges with greater resilience and clarity. This transformation reinforced my belief in the profound connection between mobility training and overall physical and mental wellness.

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Maria Alimi

Vivelo Fit

Reach out to Maria for personalised guidance to improve your mobility, whether you’re looking to ease everyday movement, enhance athletic performance, or support your mental and physical well-being.