Advertisement
question

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.

Continue Learning about Strength Training & Exercise

6 reasons why women should weight train
6 reasons why women should weight train
When we think of muscles, we think of Popeye, not twiggy Olive Oyl. But building and maintaining muscle mass is even more important for women. We all ...
Read More
To build and maintain muscle, try less weight and more reps
To build and maintain muscle, try less weight and more reps
If you’re looking to develop and maintain muscle and increase strength, you might think that the only way is by lifting the heaviest weight possible. ...
Read More
Why is strength training important for weight loss?
Strength training is important for weight loss because it appears to elevate the metabolism and keep...
More Answers
What are FITT guidelines for strength training?
What are FITT guidelines for strength training? Learn more from our experts about FITT guidelines fo...
More Answers

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.