How can you improve joint health and flexibility with mobility tools?

1 Foam rollers

Foam rollers are cylindrical devices that you can use to massage your muscles and fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds them. Foam rolling can help you release tension, improve blood flow, and increase flexibility in your joints. You can use foam rollers before or after your workouts, or on your rest days, to target specific areas that need attention. For example, you can roll your calves, hamstrings, quads, glutes, back, and shoulders to loosen them up and prevent tightness.

2 Resistance bands

Resistance bands are elastic bands that you can use to add resistance to your movements, or to assist you with stretching. Resistance bands can help you improve your joint stability, strength, and mobility, as they challenge your muscles in different ways and angles. You can use resistance bands to warm up your joints, activate your muscles, or perform exercises that improve your mobility. For example, you can use resistance bands to do shoulder rotations, hip circles, lateral walks, or banded squats.

3 Massage balls

Massage balls are small balls that you can use to apply pressure to specific points on your body, such as trigger points or knots. Massage balls can help you relieve pain, improve circulation, and restore mobility in your joints. You can use massage balls to target hard-to-reach areas that foam rollers may not cover, such as your feet, hands, neck, or chest. For example, you can use massage balls to roll your feet, palms, traps, or pecs to release tension and improve mobility.

4 Mobility sticks

Mobility sticks are long and thin rods that you can use to perform various movements that improve your joint mobility and flexibility. Mobility sticks can help you stretch, rotate, and bend your joints in different directions, as well as correct your posture and alignment. You can use mobility sticks to work on your shoulder, spine, hip, and ankle mobility, as well as your balance and coordination. For example, you can use mobility sticks to do shoulder dislocations, spine twists, hip hinges, or ankle dorsiflexions.

5 Yoga blocks

Yoga blocks are rectangular blocks that you can use to support your body in different yoga poses, or to modify them according to your level of flexibility. Yoga blocks can help you improve your joint mobility and flexibility, as they allow you to deepen your stretches, maintain proper form, and avoid injury. You can use yoga blocks to work on your hamstrings, hips, back, and chest flexibility, as well as your core stability and breathing. For example, you can use yoga blocks to do forward folds, pigeon poses, bridges, or supported fish poses.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?