This touches on a topic I'd talked about several months ago.. when asked.. "can resistance training affect/reduce flexibility?"
Typically the answer is no, provided the full range of motion during a rep is practised. This then leads to the next question.. "do I need to stretch before or after weight training?"
Firstly, there are inaccurate claims recently.. stating that working through a full range of motion when weight training provides the same benefit as static stretching. (There is also no "myth to bust" here). These are two different things with two different purposes.
There is a distinction between the two.
An applied and purposeful stretch to a muscle is very different to the lengthening and shortening of a muscle under resistance. (Even if a good stretch is facilitated during the rep).
For example when training a client recently with a triceps exercise, though the full rep was being practised and teaching understanding of each stage of the rep.. there was still the need to apply a static stretch after the sets were completed. My client felt the need to stretch to provide the "relief" needed to hit that spot. Correct training and the distinction between components of fitness training validates itself time and time again.
Though the muscle may be working through a full ROM.. say during a bicep curl, the appropriate application of stretching and knowing how to stretch is commonly misunderstood by the fitness industry in general.. which is concerning.. considering the integrity required for providing education. 👈
There is however some element of truth regarding not stretching before lifting for some individuals due to possible creating joint instability.. or already loose in the joint.
It depends on the individual and again.. it is foolish to try to create an absolute blanket cover rule because in reality every individual is different.
In the old gym instructor days, the protocol was to static stretch before lifting. This was also variable because some individuals really needed to stretch after a warm up because muscles were so tight. There was no chance of joint instability here.
Others didn't feel the need to stretch till after the workout to ease any potential stiffness, and depending on individual circumstances some didn't stretch at all. Simply they didn't feel the need.
The take away point is that it is impossible to deal in "absolutes" with blanket rules because human bodies are just not made like that. A muscle contracts and lengthens and applying a stretch is beneficial for many.
Another point to note is that trying to omit components of fitness usually negatively reveals itself at some point. A "shortcut" attempt or two birds with one stone attitude usually manifests itself later on.. where areas have been neglected long term based on inaccurate information that is being published in the public domain.
The whole process of exercise and its components should be not only enjoyed but understood. To see how Graham Fit Personal Training can help you then simply get in touch and book your free consultation! From fitness aims to specialist areas of health.. make progress with York's specialist exercise instructor. 🔶
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