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Recovery Massage Treatment Driven Fit Studio Tampa

Recovery Massage and Mobility Tips

Written by Luis Echeverry on . Posted in Rejuvenation.

Fitness is a huge part of your world.  Not only is it a way to improve your health, but it’s a way of life. However, those countless hours of working out can start to take a toll on your body, which is why you want to exercise smarter, not harder. That’s why you should also pay attention to your mobility and recovery. Keep reading for tips on how to improve both mobility and recovery.

What is Mobility?

Mobility is making sure your body can move in all the different ways it has to in order to follow proper technique. Recovery is giving your body what it needs after an intense workout so that it can bounce back and prevent injury.

How to Test Your Mobility

Without mobility, you’re not going to have proper technique. So, before you start putting a workout regimen together, it’s important to assess your mobility. Here are some mobility tests you can do on your own or with our South Tampa personal trainers….

Ankle Squat

A great test for runners, ankle squats will determine whether or not your ankles have a full range of motion.  As you squat, see if you can keep your feet flat on the ground. If you have to lift your heel, you are not as mobile as you should be. If this is the case, you need to work on pivoting your ankles to get a fuller range of motion.   

Couch Stretch

This is another great test for runners which helps determine how loose and flexible you are with your legs.  To practice this stretch, stand against the wall with your back, butt, and one leg pressed to it. The back of your knee should also be touching.  Then take your other leg (bent at the knee) and lift it up. If your other leg shifts or bends and you can’t straighten it out, then you are not as mobile as you should be.  If this is the case, you need to start stretching your legs to get them looser!

Front Squat

This test will assess your mobility in terms of weight training.  With squats, your feet should be planted on the ground and your back straight.  If you are arching or lifting your heels or arching your back, then you are not doing squats correctly and not getting the full range of motion.  If this is the case, squat with light weights and practice until you have the proper technique.

Overhead Squat

Take two dumbbells above your head with your arms straight and grip relaxed.  If you can hold the dumbbells straight up for a couple of minutes without your elbows buckling or your back hurting, then you are good to go.  If you’re struggling, then you need to work on your mobility.

Mobility is making sure your body can move in all the different ways it has to in order to follow proper technique.  

I’ve Tested My Mobility, Now What?

Avoid Static Stretching.  Turns out that stretching before a workout can have an adverse impact on your body and can lead to a decrease in overall mobility.  Instead, try doing a dynamic warmup that includes lunges and squats. This will get your blood pumping and prepare your body for a cardio and/ or weight training workout.

Improve Your Stance.  Form and technique are essential when exercising, so make sure to perfect your stance!  If it means you have to lift lighter weights to have better form, then do it! You will get more from your workout by doing so.  

Focus on Recovery.  This is an extremely important component to your workout routine and should be taken seriously in order to keep your body healthy and to prevent injury.  Here are great ways to aid in recovery.

  • Low-Impact Exercise: Instead of resting on the days you don’t go to the gym, do a low-impact exercise like swimming.  This is a great recovery exercise because it has no impact on your body but will still increase your heart rate.
  • Recovery Treatments:  There are several treatments that are great for recovery including fascial stretch therapy (FST), sports massage, active release technique (ART), and acupuncture.  If you’re suffering from aches and pains, any of these treatments could do a world of good.
  • Compression Gear: If you suffer from joint pain, consider wearing compression gear on certain parts of your body such as elbows or knees.  This will help your body stimulate blood flow which helps your muscles rebound after an intense workout.
  • Sleep: Last but certainly not least, in order for your body to recover, you need to give it a good night’s sleep!  After intense workouts, you should get around eight to ten hours of sleep per day for your body to adequately repair itself.  

At Driven Fit, we can help you get your body in tip top shape for your training regimen! If you would like more information on mobility and recovery or would like to schedule a recovery massage treatment in South Tampa, please give us a call at (813) 440-3016.

Jessica Bull Testimonial

Jessica Bull


The physical and mental aspects, truly sets your coaching programs apart.

As runner now aiming for personal bests, Luis’s adaptive coaching has been a game-changer. The custom training plan, precision in pacing strategies, and innovative techniques have propelled me to new heights in my races. 

I've shattered performance plateaus, and each race feels like a triumph. 

What was not even a dream become a reality when 

“I qualified for Boston” showing me anything is possible ????????

Beyond the individual successes, the sense of community fostered by your coaching team is remarkable. 

The support, encouragement, and camaraderie among fellow runners create an inspiring environment that fuels everyone's journey.

Thank you, Luis, and the entire run adaptive coaching team, for the dedication, expertise, and unwavering support. Joining your Run coaching programs has truly been the best decision I've made for my running journey. I'm not just achieving my goals; I'm surpassing them with each stride.

Gratefully,

Jessica

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Andrew Brown Testimonial

Andrew Brown


I am writing this testimonial with immense gratitude and excitement about the incredible journey I've had with your Run coaching programs, particularly under the guidance of Luis, my run adaptive coach.

Before joining, I was a runner with aspirations of improvement but unsure of where to begin. Luis’s coaching not only provided a structured plan but also instilled confidence in me from day one. 

The personalized approach, tailored to my fitness level and goals, made all the difference.

One of the key benefits I've experienced is the significant improvement in my running technique. 

Luis’s attention to my run programming has not only prevented injuries but has also made my runs more efficient and enjoyable. 

The gradual progression in training ensured that I never felt overwhelmed, and each milestone achieved boosted my motivation.

The mental toughness training incorporated into the program has been transformative. Luis's guidance has not only helped me overcome mental barriers during runs but has also positively impacted various aspects of my life. 

I’m Looking forward to my next few blocks of run coaching leading up to my next marathon in Berlin where I will be looking to reach a sub 4hr marathon ????????

~Andrew Brown

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Jason Arnold Testimonial

Jason Arnold


The approach of sending workouts directly to my watch and the personalized support provided has been a game-changer in achieving my personal best at the half marathon distance.

The convenience of having my workouts seamlessly integrated with my watch has transformed the way I approach training. It's not just about the ease of access; it's the strategic planning and adaptability that make your coaching methods stand out. Each run felt purposeful, and the progression was noticeable from week to week.

What truly sets your coaching apart is the unwavering support I received. The encouragement, insights, and personalized feedback have been instrumental in my success. It's more than just a training plan; it's a collaborative journey where my goals are embraced and pursued with dedication.

I recently achieved a personal best at the half marathon, and I credit this accomplishment to the meticulous coaching and guidance I received. The precision in pacing, strategic advice on race-day tactics, and the mental resilience training have elevated my performance beyond my expectations.

Thank you, luis and the entire run adaptive team, for the commitment, expertise, and continuous support. Your coaching methods have not only improved my running but have also enriched my overall perspective on fitness and well-being.

~ Jason Arnold

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