I don’t normally do mobility workouts. Instead, I focus on my running and strength training programs.
But mobility work shouldn’t be an optional extra. It’s something all of us would benefit from doing.
“Mobility routines are fundamental for maintaining how your body moves and feels day to day,” explains Caroline Idiens, personal trainer and strength coach at Caroline’s Circuits.
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“I always say mobility is what allows you to use your strength effectively. It supports posture, balance, and coordination, which become increasingly important as we age.”
When combined with strength training, mobility work can help improve joint range of motion and prevent injury, which becomes especially important as we age because muscle mass, joint elasticity and bone density decline.
When Idiens shared the routine she’s been doing for over 20 years on Instagram, I knew it was time to take my mobility seriously and give it a go.
Try Caroline’s Circuits 10-minute mobility routine
Idiens’ morning mobility routine consists of a series of 16 exercises done for 10-15 reps each.
While it sounds like a lot, you can get it done in 10 minutes, or slow things down and go at a pace that’s more comfortable for you.
What happened when I tried this 10-minute mobility routine
I decided to do Caroline’s mobility workout twice a week. After trying it out on my rest days for a few weeks, I can see why Idiens has kept it up for two decades.
The routine is low-impact, doesn’t require any equipment or a gym, and it left me feeling energized and ready to take on the day.
My busy schedule makes it hard to fit in mobility work, but I was surprised by how much I was able to get done in just 10 minutes.
While it’s too early to say how much of a difference it’s made to my actual running and strength sessions, it has helped reduce post-run stiffness, eased DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) after leg day workouts and put a spring in my step.
More than that, this mobility routine gave me time to tune into both my mind and body. It turns out, that’s a real draw for Idiens too.
“It’s a moment to check in with my body at the start of the day. Some days you might notice tightness or an imbalance and having that awareness is incredibly valuable,” she says.
I think I’ll be taking a leaf from Idiens’ book and making this a permanent fixture in my weekly workout routine.