Stretching and Strength! by Bodybygamma

[BendtheBar]

I will say that even when I moderately "cold stretch" I tend to strain something.

[Bodybygamma]

Originally Posted by sneezingstardust

Hmmm, I'm not sure if I agree with this, but I could be wrong. I'm pretty flexible and it hasn't seemed to affect my strength any.

Sneezy you have to take in account that your body is still growing and your still young. Also if I am taking an guess that you actually stretch a lot and even when flexing for figure shows those are forms of stretching.If you give your body a few more years of lifting heavy weights and make that your primary focus you will start to experience the stiffness I talk about that is prevalent with not all but many power lifters and strongman, among other lifters.

Also as you said your already pretty flexible. My argument is that if your 5ft10, 330lbs and stiff as a rock,going to yoga for 2 hours of yoga every day, 30minutes stretching before and after every workout, is not necessarily the best approach, and many lifters pull muscles and have serious injuries and herniations not from heavy lifting but from "over stretching" the muscles, in the context of trying to pick a dollar off the floor after not touching there toes in over 5 years may tear something.

Further more I reason that when your used to squatting nice and tight, but now opened up your hip flexors, and increased your range of motion, your body is going to get mixed signals on when to stop and go, which will effect strength. I am not saying stretching or flexibility is bad, but it has to be done in moderation and sports/goal specific for the individual.