Become more flexible through strength training?

Asked by: Jayshawn Okyere

Can strength training make you more flexible?

Both stretching and strength training performed equally well at improving hamstring flexibility, and both were superior to no exercise. Resistance training was superior to no intervention at improving hip flexibility, but stretch training was no better than doing nothing.

Can you lift weights and still be flexible?

Weight training, if performed to end ranges of motion, increases flexibility. It’s essentially many repetitions of dynamic stretches. Being weighted actually forces an increase to end range of motion.

What training increases flexibility?

Types of Flexibility Training



You can improve flexibility with four different types of stretching exercises: static stretching, dynamic stretching, activated isolated stretching, and myofascial release.

Why are muscular people not flexible?

Muscle Size



People who are big due to a lot of muscle mass may have limited flexibility due to their training habits, not their size. Weight training that moves you through a limited range of motion leads to shortened muscle fibers and tight connective tissue.

Do bodybuilders lose flexibility?

Sure, being a hulking brute naturally limits your flexibility (big bodybuilders have an interesting time wiping on the toilet and showering), but research has shown that weightlifting itself, with a full range of motion, actually increases flexibility just as well as, or even better than, static stretching.

Is it harder to be flexible if you’re muscular?

Does building bigger muscles decrease flexibility? “Building bigger muscles doesn’t necessarily mean a decrease in flexibility, provided that resistance training is performed through a full range of motion,” explains Obayuvana.

Will strength training make me stiff and non flexible?

No, strength training does not make us stiffer and more inflexible. Secondly, flexibility has very little to do with muscle length and is much more influenced by accessory tissues and nervous system activity. All this to say, we should not be afraid to lift weights.

Does strengthening muscles shorten them?

As counterintuitive as it may seem (believe me, I know!), strengthening muscles does not “tighten”, “stiffen”, or “shorten” them – it doesn’t decrease their flexibility in any way.

Why is my body so inflexible?

The main reason why people have tightness everywhere in the body is simply the fact that they are weak. You see, flexibility is a form of strength. When you train all of your muscles properly and sufficiently in their full range of motion, the muscles will become quite flexible by proper training alone.

How long does it take to become very flexible?

How Long Does it Take to Get Flexible. You should begin to notice a difference in how flexible you are within two to four weeks. However, that’s only if you practice stretching at least five days every week. You also want to practice an array of stretches so that your whole body feels the burn.

Can you get flexible at 30?

It’s never too late to become flexible, but it does get more difficult with age. As we get older our tendons become more rigid, and the muscles and joints that allow for easy mobility become stiff.

Can I do the splits at 40?

The good news is that it’s possible to learn how to do the splits at any age, whether you’re 40 or 50. Flexibility improves with daily practice. Taking hot yoga or pilates classes would help you get into the routine of stretching everyday.

Can you regain flexibility after 40?

But there’s no need to despair! Studies also strongly support the benefits of regular stretching and mobility training in order to improve flexibility and minimize any loss of range of motion—at any age. It’s never too late to start making improvements in your flexibility.