Mobility is how much controlled range your joints have. Therefore, adding resistance to mobility exercises can enhance their effectiveness by improving your strength in stretched ranges of motion.
Plus, research shows that adding load to stretches trains muscles at longer lengths, which not only causes muscles to be stronger at long lengths, but can also improve flexibility as well as, if not better than, typical static stretching. (1,2)
Quadruped Hip Adduction
I consider this one of the most effective adductor exercises because it gives you strength in length and through a greater range of motion than most other adductor exercises. It’s right up there with the Copenhagen hip adduction exercise in that regard, while being easier to set up and perform for a wider variety of people.
Resisted Hip Flexor Stretch
The addition of the NT Loop and dynamic nature of this resisted stretch enhances the hip flexor stretch because it ensures your clients are using their glutes to extend their hip. This not only helps ensure they extend at their hips instead at their lower-back, but also is a better use of your time because you’re also strengthening the glutes with what is essentially an upright hip bridge.
Standing Hamstring Stretch
This is a common hamstring stretch done by athletes that you can supercharge by adding the NT Loops because it gives your hamstrings strength in length. Plus, your glutes and calf musculature have to work at the top of the range of motion in a manner similar to how we run.
-Coach Nick
References:
1. Brughelli M et al. Altering the length-tension relationship with eccentric exercise. Sports Med. 2007;37(9):807-26.
2. Butterfield TA Eccentric exercise in vivo: strain-induced muscle damage and adaptation in a stable system. Exercise & Sport Sciences Reviews. 2010 Apr;38(2):51-60.
