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Will resistance training make me less flexible?

National Academy of Sports Medicine
National Academy of Sports Medicine
answer
Resistance training does have the potential to make you less flexible in certain areas if you continually perform the same exercises in the same manner and do not incorporate flexibility training into your exercise routine. Resistance training in general causes stress and trauma to our muscles. As our muscles heal and recover from that stress, scar tissue develops which over time will decrease the muscles' ability to lengthen and stretch the way that it should, leading to decreased flexibility. So, to prevent resistance training from making you less flexible, incorporate a variety of different exercises into your routine, and make sure to perform flexibility training (stretching) on a regular basis. Two great types of stretching to include in your program for this purpose are foam rolling (a form of self-massage that alleviates knots in muscles), and static stretching.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.