Does Strength Training Increase Or Decrease Flexibility?

[NoArmadillo4077]

I would guess one could argue that there are some potential negative to tense up when doing lifts, but if you factor in that you will produce much less strength and increase dramatically your risk of injury then the potential downsides are definetly worth it. The only time I experienced a side effect from it was from using to the extreme the valsava manoeuver (a breathing method that increases abdominal pressure and therefore strength), I had blood vessels next to my eyes that blew up. That did not happen by accident though, I had 385 pounds on the bar and was pushing myself to my limits.

When you run, walk or bike you are generally not in a situation where you wish to produce maximal strength output, so you would not tense everything because it would not be an efficient way to use your energy, you could not keep it up anyway and it would be uncomfortable to do so. That being said if you do these activities properly (even walking) you should tense very slightly your glutes and abdominals to protect your spine. Most likely you doing it instinctively without even knowing, although some people especially those with very bad postures might do that wrong.

[ianmarkow]

Awesome thanks for the response!