Strength Training is as Effective as Stretching at Improving Flexibility.

“If you want to be flexible, you need to stretch”

“Lifting weights makes you stiff”

Wrong.

Afonso et al. (2021) conducted a meta-analysis review assessing the effects of strength training and stretching on flexibility.

The results?

"Strength training and stretching were not different in improving range of motion, regardless of the diversity of protocols and populations" (Afonso et al., 2021) Click To Tweet

So…

Take-home Points:

• Strength training does not make you “stiff”
• You can obtain the same level of flexibility through strength training as stretching. Plus you get the additional benefit of improved strength at length, meaning reduced injury risk.

Read the Study: https://osf.io/preprints/metaarxiv/2tdfm/