Quote:
Originally Posted by turbo6bar
legion, you are I are about the same age. Do you think weight lifting helps to prevent injury? I work on rental houses and general construction. I started weight lifting to build the strength and endurance for heavier work, but also to perhaps prevent strain and future injury. A side effect is I seem to be losing flexibility. Is that an unfortunate side effect?
I am just a puny runt. I can only bench 100 lbs. My weight varies from 160-175 lbs and Vietnamese genes means the bulk of my strength is in my legs. My wrists are absolutely tiny (around 7" circumference).
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I haven't had a serious strain/cramp/sprain injury in years. I do cut myself well enough for stitches every few years--but weight lifting cannot prevent that.
IMO, stretching is the key to maintaining flexibility. When I am on my heavy days, I have a 5-minute stretching routine that I do between every set. Also, don't stretch when your muscles are cold--you can tear something. Do a moderate warm up at a lighter weight, then stretch.
This is what my "heavy" bench press routine looks like:
12 reps at 135
8 reps at 225
Stretch*
5 reps at 335
Stretch*
5 reps at 335
Stretch*
5 reps at 335
Stretch*
8 reps at 135
*My stretching routine includes a stretch for triceps, chest, upper back, and lower back.