The 2026 Mobility Reset: 3 Daily Movements to Improve Everything

Dr. Andrew Kakishita | Lehi, UT

Why a Mobility Reset Works Better Than a Big New Year’s Overhaul

January is one of the busiest times of the year at Kinetic Chiropractic here in Lehi. People come in excited to make changes but often feel overwhelmed by big fitness resolutions. The truth is that most people don’t need a 60–minute workout routine to start feeling better. What they usually need is something much simpler: a mobility reset.

A mobility reset is a short series of movements you do daily to help your joints and tissues move the way they’re supposed to. Even three to five minutes a day can make a big difference in how your spine, hips, and legs feel. This approach works because your body responds really well to frequent, low-stress movement. And unlike New Year’s resolutions that fade by February, mobility resets are easy to maintain all year long.

Movement #1: Thoracic Rotation

The mid-back is one of the most important areas for overall movement. When this region becomes stiff, your neck, shoulders, and lower back often start compensating. Gentle thoracic rotations help restore that lost motion. These can be done sitting or on the floor, and they take less than a minute. If you read my blog on why joints feel stiff in January, you’ll notice the same theme here. A little movement goes a long way.

Movement #2: Hip Extension

Many people in Lehi spend long hours sitting at desks or in cars, which makes the hip muscles tighten and become less responsive. When you lose hip extension, your lower back tries to make up the difference. This is one reason people feel “tight” in their lower back even if they aren’t lifting or doing anything strenuous. A simple hip opener or a gentle lunge stretch can help wake up this area and restore normal movement.

Movement #3: Ankle Mobility

Ankles are often overlooked, but improving ankle mobility helps with walking, squatting, stepping, and general daily movement. When the ankles are stiff, other areas of the body work harder to compensate. A quick ankle mobility drill, such as controlled forward knee drives, can improve your ability to move comfortably and reduce strain on the knees and hips.

How I Help Patients Build a Mobility Reset

In my clinic, I help people choose the three or four movements that matter most for their specific situation. Most patients don’t need a long list of exercises. They need a short routine they can actually stick with. When someone uses these simple movements consistently, their body responds quickly. Mobility improves, tightness decreases, and daily activities feel easier.

If you want help building a simple 2026 mobility routine that actually fits your lifestyle, I’m always happy to take a look. You can learn more here:

https://kineticchiropracticutah.com