When clients have movement limitations, what is the recommended approach?

When clients have movement limitations, what is the recommended approach?

• A. Ignore movement limitations.
• B. Push through pain.
• C. Identify movement limitations and use regressions.
• D. Replace all exercises with swimming.

Answer: (C)

When clients have movement limitations, the right move is to identify the specific limitation and use regression options that keep the movement pattern safe and effective within the available range of motion. This approach preserves the training goals while avoiding compensations that can lead to injury. For example, if ankle mobility is limited during a squat, you can lift the heels slightly, use a box to limit depth, or switch to a hinge-dominant variation that trains the same muscles without forcing a painful or unstable position. You can also adjust tempo, load, or stance to accommodate the limit and plan mobility work to improve ROM over time. Reassess as mobility improves so you can progressively reintroduce the full movement. Pushing through pain, ignoring limitations, or replacing all work with swimming fails to build strength safely or maintain progression toward goals.

When clients have movement limitations, the right move is to identify the specific limitation and use regression options that keep the movement pattern safe and effective within the available range of motion. This approach preserves the training goals while avoiding compensations that can lead to injury. For example, if ankle mobility is limited during a squat, you can lift the heels slightly, use a box to limit depth, or switch to a hinge-dominant variation that trains the same muscles without forcing a painful or unstable position. You can also adjust tempo, load, or stance to accommodate the limit and plan mobility work to improve ROM over time. Reassess as mobility improves so you can progressively reintroduce the full movement. Pushing through pain, ignoring limitations, or replacing all work with swimming fails to build strength safely or maintain progression toward goals.