Mobility, your ability to move a joint through its range using your own strength, matters more for men over 40 than passive flexibility, and rebuilding it is what lets you keep squatting, lifting, and moving through daily life without pain. In this episode I talk with Dean Pohlman, founder of Man Flow Yoga and author of Yoga Fitness for Men, about why sitting all day leaves most of us with mobility deficits that gym work alone won't fix. We get into the real difference between flexibility and mobility, why knee pain usually starts at the hips, core, and ankles, and the simple daily habits that keep you moving well as you age.
Time Stamps:
03:59 Why yoga feels time-intensive
07:42 Why men feel out of place in yoga classes
09:51 Flexibility vs. mobility explained
12:15 The everyday movements that need mobility
13:33 Why mobility work is essential, not a bonus
14:41 Benefits beyond mobility: breathing, balance, pain relief
17:39 What makes Man Flow Yoga different
21:02 Why you shouldn't quit squats at 40
23:38 Knee pain starts at the hips, core, and ankles
25:30 Allan's ankle injuries and the mobility fix
27:16 Building yoga and strength into a weekly routine
29:33 Dean's 3 wellness strategies: mobility, mindfulness, connection
Links:
Dean Pohlman on YouTube (Man Flow Yoga): https://www.youtube.com/user/ManFlowYoga
Man Flow Yoga app and membership: https://manflowyoga.com/join
Better Man Podcast on Instagram: @bettermanpodcast
Dean's book, Yoga Fitness for Men: https://amzn.to/4hJuZz5
Coach Allan's daily wellness tips newsletter: https://40plusfitness.com/tips
The Wellness Roadmap (Coach Allan's book): https://amzn.to/3U1xEdn