‘Hip hip…no hooray🤣’: Shilpa Shetty throws a quick mobility challenge to kickstart 2026

Dr Supriya Patil, Consultant Physiotherapy, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, explained that unlike traditional stretching, which mainly aims to lengthen muscles, mobility exercises train joints to move actively through their full range of motion, combining flexibility, strength, and control. This approach not only improves physical performance but also supports long-term well-being.

It’s all about keeping the joints healthy and moving

At its core, mobility training improves how individual joints function and how different parts of the body work together. “When joints move regularly through their natural range, they remain better lubricated and more resilient. Mobility exercises encourage the circulation of joint fluids, reduce friction, and help muscles and connective tissues adapt to movement demands. The result is smoother, more coordinated motion,” said Dr Patil, adding that everyday activities such as bending, reaching, walking, or climbing stairs become easier and place less strain on the body.

Shilpa Shetty takes her mobility challenge (Source: Instagram/@theshilpashetty)

What are the benefits?

Dr Shreyas Kathrani, HOD Physiotherapy, Jaslok Hospital, mentioned that one of the most noticeable benefits of mobility exercises is their ability to reduce stiffness and discomfort. Prolonged sitting, repetitive tasks, and poor posture often lead to tight muscles and restricted joints. Over time, this can cause aches, reduced movement, and persistent discomfort.

Structured mobility routines gently challenge joints and muscles to move in controlled ways, helping to release tension and restore natural motion. “Unlike short-term stretching, mobility training supports lasting improvements by encouraging real adaptation in muscles and connective tissues. This makes it particularly useful for people dealing with chronic tightness, work-related strain, or general body stiffness,” she explained.

Dr Patil added that mobility training also plays a crucial role in injury prevention. According to her, many injuries occur not because of a lack of strength but because of poor movement control or limited joint range. When joints cannot move properly, other areas of the body are forced to compensate, increasing the risk of strain and overuse injuries. By training them, mobility exercises improve stability and coordination. This prepares the body to handle sudden movements, changes in direction, or physical stress more safely.

Crucial for ageing

Dr Patil said that mobility becomes even more important with advancing age. Reduced joint movement is closely linked to balance issues, loss of independence, and a higher risk of falls. Regular mobility exercises help maintain strength, balance, and coordination, all of which are essential for healthy ageing.

In a world where sedentary lifestyles and repetitive movement are increasingly common, mobility exercises offer a practical and effective way to protect the body. Whether in sports, exercise, or daily life, better mobility helps the body absorb forces efficiently and move with confidence.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your fitness practitioner before starting any routine.