Ep. #1048: Stacie Barber on Mobility and Flexibility for Strength and Health

There’s a lot of confusion surrounding the topic of flexibility and a lot of conflicting advice. 

Is stretching necessary? Should you be working on mobility during your workouts?

Some people say strength training itself provides all the flexibility you need, and any additional stretching should be at your discretion. 

Others suggest that skipping foam rollers, massage guns, and band-work is not only going to impair your performance, but put you at risk of injury.

To help clarify some of the kerfuffle, Dr. Stacie Barber joins me on the podcast for an interview all about flexibility and mobility.

In case you’re not familiar with Stacie, she has a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Duke and is the founder and owner of The Physio Fix, which offers physical therapy, training, and classes to help everyone from professional athletes and Olympians to fitness newbies feel and move better.

And as a former collegiate gymnast and current Olympic Weightlifter, Stacie knows the challenges faced by people who lift heavy weights.

In this interview, Stacie and I discuss . . .

- The difference between passive and active flexibility

- Whether stretching prevents injury

- Common mobility issues for squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and more, and how to fix them

- Jefferson curls and Copenhagen planks

- The rise in tendinopathy and why you should train at end ranges for tendon and joint health

- The utility of resistance bands and other mobility-focused gadgets like massage guns and foam rollers 

- And a lot more . . .

So whether you're dealing with tight, painful muscle groups or just want to learn about the science of improving your mobility, give this interview a listen!

Timestamps:

(0:00) - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe!

(4:48) - Should I be stretching?

(12:06) - Is it normal to have tight muscles? 

(21:37) - Try Recharge today! Go to https://buylegion.com/recharge and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points!

(23:59) - What are some common mobility restrictions in certain exercises?

(36:38) - Should your knees be in front of your toes when or far from your knees when squatting?

(43:46) - Are there some other tips or exercises you recommend to include in workout routines?

(46:41) - What are your thoughts on stretching accessories such as bands, foam rollers, and 

percussion guns?

(51:19) - Do massage guns help alleviate tendon pain or muscle tightness?

(60:18) - What are your thoughts on exercise bands?

(64:13) - Where can we find you?

Mentioned on the Show:

Try Recharge today! Go to https://buylegion.com/recharge and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points!

Stacie’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/thephysiofix

The Physio Fix: https://thephysiofix.com/