Summary of "The 10 Mobility Exercises I’ve Done Most Over The Past 10 Years"
Key Wellness Strategies, Self-Care Techniques, and Productivity Tips from the Video
Core Philosophy
- Mobility is defined as the combination of strength and flexibility, trained simultaneously.
- The goal is to move well and protect the body long-term, not just to perform sport-specific drills.
- Strengthening while increasing flexibility leads to better mobility and injury prevention.
- Training should feel good and be pain-free; avoid pushing beyond what feels strong and safe.
The 10 Most Used Mobility Exercises (Lower Body Focus)
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ATG Split Squat (Ass to Grass Split Squat)
- Start at any level by elevating the front foot.
- Progress by lowering the foot and adding weight gradually.
- Keep chest high, back straight, knee aligned over ankle.
- Focus on stretching the back leg while maintaining strength.
- Use for knee protection and overall leg strength.
- Recommended reps: 8-12, moderate weight (not max effort).
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Romanian Deadlift (RDL) Variation
- Emphasizes time under tension and avoiding back rounding.
- Knees slightly bent and locked to maximize hamstring stretch and strength.
- Can be done with dumbbells or barbell depending on ability.
- Use straps if grip is a limiting factor.
- Helps improve hamstring and lower back strength while increasing flexibility.
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Front Split Progression
- Achieved through consistent strength training rather than isolated flexibility work.
- Helps with knee health and athletic performance (e.g., basketball dunking).
- Demonstrates the benefit of combining strength and flexibility.
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Standing Pancake Stretch
- Feet wide, aim to touch elbows to the ground.
- Builds groin strength and flexibility simultaneously.
- Can be done with or without cable resistance.
- Important for hip and groin mobility.
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Single-Leg Mobility Movements
- Address imbalances between left and right sides.
- Important for hip and knee health, especially for athletes with asymmetries.
- Gradual progression to improve range of motion and strength on weaker side.
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Knee Pop Prevention Stretch
- Targets outer hip muscles to stabilize the knee.
- Start with two hands for support, gradually add strength by pushing into the ground.
- Helps with knee issues like popping or instability.
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Couch Stretch
- Deep quad stretch with muscle activation.
- Knee position affects stretch intensity; further back increases stretch.
- Squeeze glutes and press knee into ground intermittently to build strength.
- Can be modified with padding for knee pain.
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Seated Good Morning / Pancake Stretch
- Stretches inner thighs and strengthens lower back.
- Emphasizes maintaining flat back and muscle engagement.
- Complements other hip and hamstring mobility work.
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Ankle Mobility and Strength Exercises
- Standing calf stretch on a step or slant board with strengthening through full range.
- Seated calf raises to complement standing stretches.
- Important for knee and lower leg health; often overlooked.
- Includes controlled eccentric lowering for Achilles tendon health.
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Deep Squat Hold (ATG Squat) - Bodyweight exercise to improve ankle, knee, and hip mobility. - Progress from two legs to one leg. - Hold position with control to build strength and flexibility. - Helps reverse effects of prolonged sitting and modern sedentary lifestyle.
Additional Wellness and Training Insights
Training Frequency & Lifestyle
- Twice a week full-body training combined with weekend sports (e.g., basketball) is sustainable.
- Training intent and form are more important than lifting maximum weights.
- Adapt training load to personal goals (athletic performance, longevity, injury prevention).
Form & Coaching
- Proper form is critical to avoid injury and maximize benefits.
- Avoid common mistakes like knees collapsing inward during squats.
- Coaching and feedback (including online form coaching) can accelerate progress.
Mindset
- Mobility and strength training should serve your body and life goals, not just sport or aesthetics.
- Embrace imbalances and limitations by building enough ability to overcome them.
- Consistency over time yields breakthrough results (e.g., ability to dunk in 30s).
Practical Tips
- Use padding or modifications if experiencing pain or limited range.
- Strengthen muscles while stretching to maintain joint health.
- Avoid ego-driven training; focus on what feels best for your body.
- Incorporate muscle activation during stretches for better outcomes.
Presenters / Sources
- Ben Patrick (primary presenter, also known as “Knees Over Toes Guy”)
- Fernando (training partner and co-presenter)
- Derrick (longevity role model featured briefly)
- Forest (camerawoman, briefly shown participating)
This video emphasizes a balanced, strength-plus-flexibility approach to mobility training that supports longevity, injury prevention, and athletic performance through practical, progressive exercises.
Category
Wellness and Self-Improvement