Should I Lift Weights If I'm Hypermobile (hEDS/HSD)?

Living with hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), or chronic pain often means that even the thought of lifting weights can feel overwhelming—or risky. But resistance training is not only safe, it’s essential for protecting your joints, reducing subluxations, and building the stability you need for a more active, fulfilling life. In this video, I’ll walk you through the how—the principles and progressions that make strength training safe and effective for hypermobility. You’ll learn how to avoid the common pitfalls that increase pain and injury, and instead build a foundation that actually helps your joints feel more supported. What you’ll learn in this video: The difference between open vs. closed chain exercises, and why that matters for hypermobility How proximal vs. distal movement affects joint stress and stability Tools and feedback strategies (mirrors, bands, yoga blocks) to improve body alignment and proprioception Safe progressions for both lower body (glutes/hips) and upper body (shoulder blade stability) Why working with a PT or other Health Professional who understands EDS/HSD is crucial for long-term success If this video helps you, please drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your experiences. Don’t forget to hit the like button and subscribe so more people in our community can find these tools and feel supported. Join our FREE, private community for hypermobility tips, encouragement, and the latest research EDS Community: https://hypermobilipt.com/ BOOK AN APPOINTMENT: https://hcpt.intakeq.com/booking CHAPTERS 00:00 – Should you lift weights with hypermobility? 00:35 – Open vs. closed chain refresher 02:25 – Why proprioception matters 03:56 – Using feedback tools (mirrors, bands, yoga blocks) 04:36 – Proximal vs. distal movement explained 05:59 – Risks of starting with distal exercises 07:18 – Combining proximal-to-distal with closed-to-open chain 07:24 – Bodyweight as resistance training 08:29 – Safe glute strengthening progression 10:07 – Upper body progression (scapular stability) 11:47 – When open chain is appropriate 12:30 – Importance of individualized progression 12:44 – Why working with a PT familiar with EDS/HSD is key Subscribe for more support, tools, and strategies to help you manage hypermobility, EDS, and chronic pain while reclaiming strength and stability. WORK WITH US REMOTELY: healthyconsumerpt.com, click "Schedule Online." #Hypermobility #EDS #ChronicPain #PhysicalTherapy #HSD #JointHypermobility #EDSWorkout #StrengthTraining