Range of motion is something that many trainers compromise on or completely overlook. However, it’s one of the most important aspects of fitness. If you’re not being coached on using full range of motion in your exercises, you are missing out. If you are truly focused on health, then working with coaches that help you work your joints through their full range of motion is critical.
Full range of motion refers to the extent to which a joint can move or be moved in various directions before being restricted by surrounding tissues. This means executing exercises so that the involved joints go through their complete spectrum of movement. Here’s why incorporating full range of motion into your fitness routine is not just beneficial, but essential.
Maximize Muscle Activation and Growth
When you perform exercises with a full range of motion, you engage your muscles more completely. This leads to better muscle activation and, consequently, more significant muscle growth. For instance, a squat that goes all the way down until your thighs are parallel to the ground engages your glutes and quads more effectively than a partial squat. This comprehensive engagement ensures that all parts of the muscle are worked, leading to balanced and well-proportioned muscle development. Skipping this crucial aspect can result in imbalances and underdeveloped muscles, which not only affect your aesthetic goals but can also lead to injuries over time.
Enhance Flexibility and Joint Health
Regularly moving your joints through their full range of motion helps maintain and even improve their flexibility. Flexibility is not just about being able to touch your toes; it’s about the ability of your muscles and joints to move freely and efficiently. Improved flexibility can reduce the risk of injuries by ensuring that your joints are well-lubricated and muscles are less prone to strains. Furthermore, healthy joints mean less pain and discomfort in daily activities, allowing you to enjoy an active lifestyle without the limitations of stiffness or soreness.
Boost Functional Strength and Performance
Functional strength refers to the strength required to perform everyday activities efficiently and safely. Training with a full range of motion enhances your functional strength because it prepares your muscles and joints for real-life movements. Whether you’re lifting a heavy box, reaching for something on a high shelf, or playing with your kids, having a well-developed range of motion means your body is better equipped to handle these tasks. This translates to improved performance not just in the gym but in every aspect of your life.
Promote Proper Form and Technique
One of the cornerstones of effective exercise is maintaining proper form and technique. Exercising with a full range of motion encourages this, as it often requires more focus and control. For example, a full-depth squat or a complete overhead press ensures that you’re performing the movement correctly, engaging the right muscles, and avoiding undue stress on your joints. Proper form minimizes the risk of injury and maximizes the benefits of your workout, making each rep count towards your fitness goals.
Increase Overall Workout Efficiency
Incorporating a full range of motion can make your workouts more efficient. By fully engaging your muscles and joints, you get more out of each exercise, meaning you can achieve the same, if not better, results in less time. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules who need to make the most out of their limited workout time. It’s not just about working harder, but about working smarter, ensuring every movement contributes to your fitness journey.
At Fit Augusta, we understand the importance of full range of motion and integrate it into our training programs. For example, this is why we start with our fundamentals program. This is how we start with introducing proper form and technique, which includes range of motion. Our professional coaches are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal movement patterns, ensuring you get the most out of every workout while minimizing the risk of injury. We don’t just train muscles; we train movements, fostering a holistic approach to fitness that enhances every aspect of your health and performance.
If you’re ready to work with professional coaches who will help you be in the best health and best shape you can be, schedule a time to meet with us to find out how.
Start here: book a No-Sweat Intro and take the first step towards unlocking your true potential.
At Fit Augusta, we’re more than a gym. We’re a community dedicated to empowering you to move better, feel better, and live better. By focusing on the full range of motion, we help you build a foundation of strength, flexibility, and functional fitness that supports all your health and fitness goals. Join us, and discover how powerful your body can truly be.
