Researchers found that doing strength training builds muscle and help develop flexibility at the same time. This is great news for time-stressed individuals who want to use all their training time in working to develop strength and improve physique. The study’s subjects were 240 untrained women in their mid-thirties who were split into four groups: a control group, a strength training group, a strength training and flexibility, and a flexibility group. All three training groups demonstrated gains in flexibility and interestingly, the strength training group alone increased flexibility six centimeters, a significant amount. The strength training and flexibility group improved by 12 cm, while the flexibility group improved by 13 cm.
Reasons for the dramatic flexibility gains in the strength training only group are not completely understood, but possibilities include neuromuscular adaptations resulting in muscular and connective tissue plasticity, and a reflex activity in the Golgi Tendon Organs (mechanisms that when activated lead to a relaxing of the muscle). Additionally, it’s possible that strength exercises increase tension in tendons and ligaments, improving muscle contractility, which may lead to a greater range of motion.
Spend your time strength training by using exercises with a full range of motion to get the most bang for your buck. If you have specific flexibility goals, add stretching exercises to your program for optimal strength and mobility.
Reference: Simao, R., Adriana, L., Salles, B., Leite, T., Oliveira, E., Rhea, M., Reis, V. M. The Influence of Strength, Flexibility, and Simultaneous Training on Flexibility and Strength Gains.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2011. 25(5)/1333-1338.
Copyright ©2011 Charles Poliquin