A Functional Mobility Fitness Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that tests an individual's functional mobility and identifies areas of weakness or imbalance [(1)]( https://www.cooperaerobics.com/Health-Tips/Prevention-Plus/Assessing-Your-Mobility-with-the-Functional-Fitnes.aspx). The assessment is designed to assess an individual's movement patterns and determine their ability to perform various functional movements and exercises [(2)]( https://exrx.net/Lists/Tests). The goal of this assessment is to improve overall mobility, stability, and strength by identifying areas of tightness or weakness and providing tailored exercise recommendations [(1)]( https://www.cooperaerobics.com/Health-Tips/Prevention-Plus/Assessing-Your-Mobility-with-the-Functional-Fitnes.aspx).
During a Functional Mobility Fitness Assessment, individuals are asked to perform a series of movements that test leg, hip, shoulder, and back mobility, as well as trunk stability [(1)]( https://www.cooperaerobics.com/Health-Tips/Prevention-Plus/Assessing-Your-Mobility-with-the-Functional-Fitnes.aspx). Some of the movements that may be included in the assessment are deep squat, hurdle step, lunge, and shoulder mobility [(2)]( https://exrx.net/Lists/Tests). The assessment evaluates symmetry and balance in the body by testing the left and right sides individually [(1)]( https://www.cooperaerobics.com/Health-Tips/Prevention-Plus/Assessing-Your-Mobility-with-the-Functional-Fitnes.aspx).
The Functional Mobility Fitness Assessment is often recommended to individuals who exercise regularly but may still have areas of imbalance or poor movement patterns [(1)]( https://www.cooperaerobics.com/Health-Tips/Prevention-Plus/Assessing-Your-Mobility-with-the-Functional-Fitnes.aspx). It is not uncommon for individuals who are highly specialized in a particular exercise or sport to lack balance and symmetry in their movements, which can increase the risk of injury [(1)]( https://www.cooperaerobics.com/Health-Tips/Prevention-Plus/Assessing-Your-Mobility-with-the-Functional-Fitnes.aspx).
The Functional Mobility Fitness Assessment is typically conducted as part of a preventive health examination or on an annual basis to track improvements [(1)]( https://www.cooperaerobics.com/Health-Tips/Prevention-Plus/Assessing-Your-Mobility-with-the-Functional-Fitnes.aspx). The assessment helps identify areas that need improvement and allows fitness consultants to develop a tailored exercise program to address the individual's specific needs [(1)]( https://www.cooperaerobics.com/Health-Tips/Prevention-Plus/Assessing-Your-Mobility-with-the-Functional-Fitnes.aspx). By addressing mobility and stability issues, the Functional Mobility Fitness Assessment can help prevent injuries and improve physical and athletic performance [(1)]( https://www.cooperaerobics.com/Health-Tips/Prevention-Plus/Assessing-Your-Mobility-with-the-Functional-Fitnes.aspx).
Overall, the Functional Mobility Fitness Assessment is a valuable tool for individuals looking to improve their overall mobility, stability, and strength. It helps identify areas of weakness or imbalance and provides targeted recommendations for exercises and workouts to address these issues [(1)]( https://www.cooperaerobics.com/Health-Tips/Prevention-Plus/Assessing-Your-Mobility-with-the-Functional-Fitnes.aspx). By incorporating this assessment into a regular fitness routine, individuals can enhance their movement patterns, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance their overall physical and athletic performance.