Flexibility vs Mobility

321go • February 2, 2023

Most people think there is no difference between the two BUT there is.

Flexibility- the muscles ability to lengthen

Mobility- is the ability of the joint to move through its full range of motion without restriction or pain

 

Why is this important to know?

 

People think “I’ve got to do more stretching” if they are restricted in movement patterns.

 

This is only half the battle…

 

Your body also needs to learn how to CONTROL the new range of motion that you create when you lengthen the tissue when you stretch. If it doesn’t learn how to control the new range of motion that you create with stretching, it will just go back to the way it was, since stiffness can be created to bring stability to the joint.

 

When I assess someone, I’m measuring both flexibility and mobility so I can see what could be causing the dysfunction in certain areas. They are interconnected most of the time. If a muscle is stiff then it could restrain the range of motion or if the prime movers are weak and unable to perform the movement then that could also cause a restriction of range of motion.

 

So long story short, stretching alone will not help your muscle stiffness. You need to strength train as well if you want to improve your mobility for good so you can move without restriction!

 

Need help? Feel free to reach out to us at EA Fitness and Performance!

recent posts

The Mid-Winter Slump is Real, Here's How to Beat It

By Evan Amell • February 9, 2026
Let's be honest for a second... It's February in Maine. The sun sets at 4:30 PM. Your couch is warm. Netflix is calling. And that workout you promised yourself? It can wait until tomorrow, right? If this sounds like you, take a deep breath. You're not broken, lazy, or lacking willpower. You're experiencing something very real, the mid-winter slump. And here in Portland, Maine, we know it all too well. The good news? You can absolutely beat it. Let's talk about how.

Love Your Heart: The Best Workouts for Longevity in Southern Maine

By Evan Amell • February 2, 2026
February is American Heart Month, and here in Southern Maine, there's no better time to have a real conversation about what it takes to keep your ticker healthy for the long haul. Let's be honest... heart health isn't exactly the sexiest topic. But here's the thing, it might be the most important one. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and yet so much of it is preventable with the right lifestyle choices. The good news? You don't need to become a marathon runner or live at the gym. What you do need is a smart, consistent approach to fitness that's designed specifically for you.  So let's talk about the best workouts for longevity and how personalized training can genuinely support your cardiovascular health, especially if you're in the 40+ crowd here in Portland, Maine.

Why Strength Is the New Weight Loss: What Portland Maine Personal Trainers Want You to Know in 2026

By Evan Amell • January 26, 2026
Let's have an honest conversation. If you're over 40 and still chasing the number on your bathroom scale like it's the ultimate measure of success... it's time to stop. Seriously. Stop. 🛑 Because here's what the best personal trainers in Portland Maine have been telling their clients for a while now: strength is the new weight loss. That might sound like fitness industry jargon, but stick with me. By the end of this post, you'll understand why building muscle, not just dropping pounds, is the real key to feeling strong, looking great, and actually keeping your results for the long haul. And if you're in the Portland area and wondering how this applies to you? You're in the right place.