Eccentric strengthening is the new stretching.
We talk a lot about flexibility versus mobility. Flexibility is the ability to move through a specific range of motion.
Mobility is having the strength to control that range of motion. Mobility is KEY, especially as it relates to training, aging, and longevity of health and fitness.
One of the best ways to improve your mobility is through eccentric strengthening. An eccentric movement is a contraction of a muscle as the muscle lengthens. An example of an eccentric movement is descending into a squat. When you bend your knees to lower into a squat, your quadriceps (top of your thigh) are lengthening to control the movement of bending your knees.
This recent systematic review provides even more evidence to support using eccentric exercises as a form of mobility exercises. It’s time to strengthen to lengthen your muscles!
Check out these videos for some examples of great eccentric movements that will improve your mobility:
