Yoga and Powerlifting

[wend]

Well, Majutsu's newfound passion for powerlifting is contagious, and I'm thinking of taking it up myself. I've been out of the gym for a month following emergency abdominal surgery (laparoscopic, thankfully), and I've had the chance to re-evaluate my fitness goals.

Powerlifting is definitely the only way I'll ever compete. The thought of flexing up on a stage greased and tanned up in a bikini is just abhorrent to me.

Well, I practice yoga. For a long time I've been encouraging Majutsu to practice modified yoga to help him gain/retain flexibility, but he's naysayed it, insisting that deep stretching would weaken his joints and increase the likelihood of injury during a heavy lift.

So...do y'all think it would be alright for me to work up to lifting heavy, while continuing my yoga practice?

 

[Devastation]

i guess i really don't see how it would interfere. i'm far from an expert in yoga however. if it's something you enjoy doing, i say keep it up. i usually don't stretch much except before squatting. i prolly should stretch more often

 

[wnt2bBeast]

i dont do yoa but i do stretchevery morning otherwise id be so tight unable to move so i would imagine yoga would give you great flexibility which is important in excuting lifts

 

[wend]

Thanks, guys. I'm glad you hadn't heard anything negative about deep stretching for powerlifters. Maj's idea was that too much flexibility would create a looseness in the joints that would be dangerous, but it's my feeling that, even though I can allow my joints to stretch deeply and sort of open up, I can also consciously hold them tight when needed.

 

[saint john]

recent article in one of the bodybuilding mags says that yoga type stretching BEFORE lifting weights will result in being able to lift less during your workout. this was confirmed by eletrophysiology studies which indicated that for 20 minutes after stretching muscles are not able to contract as forcefully as usual. the recommendation was to stretch at some other time than before workout. also, other studies have indicated that yoga type stretching before running produces greater occurence of injuries. again, the recommendation is to stretch after running.

i'm 56 years old and have been doing yoga most of my adult life. i'm new within 6 months to strength training. i'm astonished at how much flexibility i've lost since beginning weight lifting. and that is with still doing yoga 3 days a week.

 

[Quadsweeps Sister]

recent article in one of the bodybuilding mags says that yoga type stretching BEFORE lifting weights will result in being able to lift less during your workout. this was confirmed by eletrophysiology studies which indicated that for 20 minutes after stretching muscles are not able to contract as forcefully as usual. the recommendation was to stretch at some other time than before workout. also, other studies have indicated that yoga type stretching before running produces greater occurence of injuries. again, the recommendation is to stretch after running.

i'm 56 years old and have been doing yoga most of my adult life. i'm new within 6 months to strength training. i'm astonished at how much flexibility i've lost since beginning weight lifting. and that is with still doing yoga 3 days a week.

Very interesting...thanks for sharing.