Flexibility vs. Mobility: What's the Difference? Are They Related?

A lot of people confuse these two terms, understandably so. They sound very similar, but while they are connected, they are very different.

So what are the differences?

Flexibility refers to the ability of a muscle or group of muscles to stretch and lengthen through its full range of motion. It is typically assessed by how far a muscle can be stretched without causing pain or injury. Flexibility is largely influenced by the muscle and tendon tissue's elasticity, and it's usually improved through static stretching exercises.

Mobility, on the other hand, is the ability of a joint to move actively through its full range of motion, which involves not only flexibility but also strength, control, and stability of the surrounding muscles and tissues. Mobility exercises often include dynamic movements that require joint movement in multiple directions, helping improve both flexibility and the functional use of that flexibility.

In short, flexibility focuses on the passive lengthening of muscles, while mobility focuses on the active control and movement of joint.