Do you incorporate stretching and mobility work into your clients’ programs?

Are you thinking about a couple of quick stretches at the end of a workout? I’m talking about a dedicated 10–15-minute session of real, intentional mobility work—the kind that actually improves movement quality, prevents injuries, and enhances strength training performance. But why mobility training ?

My background is as a Physical therapist and online fitness coach specializing in helping women manage chronic pain through strength training. I use the Trainerize Fitness App to deliver my online programs, and over the years, I’ve consistently included a dedicated stretch and mobility day in my training plans. Why?

Because mobility is non-negotiable.

The Role of Mobility in Injury Prevention & Strength Gains

As a physical therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how neglecting joint mobility and corrective exercises leads to injuries. When we don’t address stability, flexibility, and movement mechanics, clients eventually hit a wall—whether it’s pain, tightness, or stalled progress in strength training.

Think about it:

• Do you have a client who experiences back pain during deadlifts or squats?
• Have you corrected their form but they still complain of discomfort?
• Are they struggling to engage their core properly during movement?

Before assuming they need a complete form overhaul—or worse, sending them straight to a physical therapist—check their hip mobility, core activation, and flexibility. Weak hip flexors, tight hamstrings, or poor core endurance could be the real culprits.

And no, I’m not talking about how many sit-ups they can do.

• Can they hold a plank without sagging?
• Can they maintain proper alignment in quadruped positions?
• Do they struggle with basic bodyweight or balance movements due to stiffness or muscle imbalances?

Incorporate Stretching & Mobility Training Into Your Programs

Many trainers hesitate to include structured mobility training because they don’t know where to start. But it doesn’t have to be complicated.

I like to categorize stretches into seated, standing, and body-specific mobility work:
Neck & Shoulder Mobility – For clients with upper body tension or desk-related stiffness
Back & Hip Mobility – Especially important for those with low back pain or limited squat depth
Leg & Ankle Mobility – Crucial for improving balance, stride efficiency, and reducing knee stress

A simple 10- to 15-minute structured mobility sequence can make a massive difference in pain management, recovery, and overall movement quality.

Trainers, Let’s Lead by Example

Let’s be real—we’re not exempt from this either. How much do we sit in a day?

• Driving
• Writing programs
• Scrolling social media (yep, guilty too!)

If we understand the importance of mobility for staying limber and pain-free, we should be prioritizing it for our clients as well.

So, my question to you is: Are you truly incorporating a solid mobility and stretching routine into your clients’ programs?

Black Star Physical Therapy and Wellness LLC