Before you pick up a dumbbell or step under the squat rack, there’s one crucial ritual that even the fittest bodies never skip – mobility. And actor-fitness enthusiast Soha Ali Khan is here with a reminder
that it’s not just about lifting heavy; it’s about lifting smart.
In her latest Instagram video, Soha Ali Khan showed followers what a well-structured pre-weightlifting routine really looks like. Her routine primes the body, boosts performance, and keeps injuries at bay. Her warm-up isn’t just stretching; it’s a series of dynamic mobility drills designed to prepare every joint and muscle for the work ahead.
View this post on Instagram
Mobility: The Secret Ingredient To Strength
“Mobility may look like the warm-up you can skip,” Soha captioned her post, “but it’s the crucial first set. Mobility preps your body to load up without locking up and is your insurance against injuries.”
Experts agree. Skipping mobility work can make your body stiff and your lifts inefficient. Mobility drills improve flexibility, balance, and muscle coordination – the foundation of a strong, stable lift. They also activate the nervous system, so your body moves better and reacts faster under load.
Soha’s routine, focusing on the lower body, targets areas most involved in heavy lifting – hips, hamstrings, glutes, and core. These aren’t random stretches; they’re intentional moves that mimic the patterns you’ll use during squats or deadlifts, helping your muscles wake up before you push weight.
The Mobility Moves Soha Swears By
Her pre-lifting circuit includes four functional mobility drills:
1. Hip Hinge – Engages the hamstrings and glutes while teaching the correct hinge pattern essential for deadlifts.
2. Cossack Squat (Lateral Lunge) – Opens the hips and strengthens stabilisers by shifting weight side-to-side.
3. Seated Torso Twists – Activates the obliques and spine for rotational control and posture during lifts.
4. Standing High Knees – Elevates heart rate and loosens the hip flexors for dynamic movement.
Together, these moves create a full-body activation flow that warms up muscles while improving mobility, making it a must before heavy leg days or compound lifts.
Lift Better, Recover Faster
Mobility work is more than a warm-up. It’s performance insurance. It enhances your range of motion, helps you lift heavier with better form, and reduces post-workout soreness. Whether you train at the gym or at home, spending even 10 minutes on these movements can transform the way your body responds to resistance training.
So next time you’re ready to go heavy, channel your inner Soha Ali Khan. Take a deep breath, move, stretch, and prep your body to lift like a pro.
