This entry was posted on Thursday, March 5th, 2009 at 11:15 pm and is filed under For Runners, Performance Stretching, Strength Training. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
There are a number of myths and misconceptions regarding strength training and flexibility, which you should recognize. Here are 3 examples:
- Strength gains may limit flexibility
- Flexibility gains may have detrimental effects on strength
- Muscle gain will decrease flexibility causing you to be “muscle bound”
The truth is – strength training or weightlifting does not limit your flexibility, but actually improves it through proper weight lifting technique. Their are 2 main keys for developing flexibility through resistance training. First, the muscle or muscle groups must work together through the entire range of motion. Second, there must be an emphasis on the eccentric (negative) contraction. The reason is because there is greater stress on the muscle fibers while trying to work through full range of motion – consequently, this increases flexibility. With the greater stress being on the eccentric (negative) part of training, their will be more muscle soreness.
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March 6th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
I never know that flexibility and strength training could go hand and hand. It makes more sense now! Thanks!!