Exercise for Hypermobility Conditions

Research indicates that 4-15% of the population has some form of hypermobility. Within the any.BODY Studio space we work with a lot of hypermobile clients.  Clients with severe hypermobility might find that they are injury prone, especially if they take up new forms of exercise. These people will often move with greater range of movement, placing extra load on specific areas of their body. If you have some degree of hypermobility you may be aware of it, or you may be completely unaware that your body is bendy and that you lack stability and strength around your joints.

What is hypermobility

The spectrum and variability of hypermobility conditions is great. As mentioned, hypermobility is not rare, however it is poorly understood, disregarded and overlooked especially in the fitness industry.

Hypermobility can be present in a range of joints. Very often easily seen in the elbows, hands, hips and knees. If you are hypermobile, depending on the severity you may need a unique approach to exercise.

Symptoms of Hypermobility

• Prone to injury

• Frequent dislocations of joints

• Poor capacity for boundaries

• Uncoordinated movements

• Spider pain or Chronic pain

• Bruise easily

• Poor body awareness and reduced proprioception

• In some cases, a heightened body awareness and over sensitivity to how the body moves

• Weakness

• Fatigue easily

• Outstanding capacity to cheat in movements and find the path of least resistance

Exercise prescription for hypermobility conditions

Hypermobility can be present in a range of joints. Very often easily seen in the elbows, hands, hips and knees. If you are hypermobile, depending on the severity you may need a unique approach to exercise.

At any.BODY Studio we want to educate you how to find control in your movements and strengthen muscles that require attention to assist with creating stability through your joints. Pilates is a great way of assisting with building strength. We specialise in teaching people how to 'find their core' using terminology you will understand and methods you will feel. Very often with hypermobile clients, alignment in exercises is an issue. Large lordosis (arched lower back) and kyphosis (rounded upper back) is present. This means that even those that are hypermobile need to stretch, but finding the right stretches is essential. 

If you are hypermobile, prone to injury or struggle to have a consistent exercise routine. Please give us a call, we would love to help guide you in finding proper evidence based movement.