Losing flexibility as I gain muscle

[Riverhound777]

Now that I've been working out for almost two months I've noticed I am not as flexible, or able to reach areas I used to (my upper back). Is this normal, or am I not stretching enough? I know that muscle can get in the way, but how much? I use to be able to reach my upper back when showering but I am noticing it is much hard than it use to. It is also getting harder to do low-bar squat which is surprising as I expected it to get easier as I did it more.

Anyone else having these issues? Oh and one area I am getting better is my leg and hip flexibility. It just seems to be upper body that is getting worse.

 

[skace]

There are going to be days of soreness when you simply won't be able to do something. But outside of that, it sounds like you need to be more serious with your stretching time. It is entirely possible you aren't even properly stretching that area of your body. Remember, stretching isn't just relax time, it is a serious part of your workout.

 

[spamsk8r]

I agree with skace, you need a solid warm-up and stretching routine prior to your lifting session. I recommend at least 15 minutes dedicated to this alone. Good stretches include the Samson stretch and shoulder hyperextensions using a PVC pipe or broomstick (or even a resistance band, if you don't have access to those other items in the gym).

 

[Koing]

Your not stretching enough before and after training.

Koing

 

[soccerballtux]

is it before or after that is best? after seems best to me, because that is when the muscle is tightest.

 

[skace]

Originally posted by: soccerballtux
is it before or after that is best? after seems best to me, because that is when the muscle is tightest.

After is best. The main benefit of stretching is range of motion, and you want to ensure range of motion after you've damaged the muscles and before they start healing, such that they don't heal tight, which would cause that loss of range of motion.

Stretching before hand can be dangerous. First off, without a proper warm up you can actually cause a significant injury by stretching. And secondly, it is possible that pre-workout stretching could actually lower your muscles strength potential for that workout. I would only recommend stretching before hand if the workout itself requires a specific level of flexibility, say a gymnast.

Regardless of whether someone decides to stretch before a work out or not, warm up should always be the first step.

 

[Riverhound777]

Hmm well I definitely haven't been stretching after my workout. I'm usually beat and just want to go home. And i've been doing dynamic stretches as my warm up.

 

[KoolDrew]

Originally posted by: Riverhound777
Hmm well I definitely haven't been stretching after my workout. I'm usually beat and just want to go home. And i've been doing dynamic stretches as my warm up.

You should definitely stretch after your workout, which is something I've always had a problem with. I only seem to stretch when I'm sore, which isn't often. My flexibility and performance suffers because of it. I used to stretch in front of the TV every night before I went to bed, but now I never watch TV so I have to find another way to get myself to stretch...

My warm-ups suck too, but oh well... do as I say not as I do.

 

[zerocool1]

yoga ftw!