Whole muscle 4- Flexibility

[@AhmedHussein-ph1xs]

you're an amazing teacher

[@Fearless-1]

Wendy: In another of your video, you described how strength training causes muscle growth by increasing the number of myofibrils per muscle cell. However, bodybuilders think that lifting weights "tears down" the muscle to stimulate muscle growth during rest. Is this thought of "tearing down" a muscle with weight training correct or is it a myth? Is it possible that the contradiction between strength and flexibility is caused more by personal choice of the practitioner versus physiological limitations at the muscle cellular level? In other words, body builders have no interest in ballet type flexibility and ballet dancers certainly don't want to bulk up. At the cellular level, isn't it possible to increase the number of myofibrils AND sarcomeres per muscle cell (i.e., make a muscle stronger, bulkier, AND longer/flexible too)? In your other videos, you explained the behavior of the muscle cells, myofibrils, sarcomeres, etc. when the muscle contracts. So, what happens to the muscle cells, myofibrils, and sarcomeres when a muscle is stretched hard for a period of time (e.g., like ballet dancers and gymnasts do to permanently lengthen the muscle to increase range of motion)? At peak stretch, are the actin and myosin filaments barely overlapping one another or perhaps no overlap at all? How long a period of time and at what intensely should someone stretch a muscle to achieve maximum flexibility gains in the shortest period of time? Body builders are aware that the workout stresses the muscles and that rest is what actually promotes growth of the muscles. Can a similar principle be applied to flexibility where the muscle is stressed during a stretch workout then lengthens when resting? In other words, on a practical level, should an aspiring ballet dancer follow a pattern of stretch one day, rest the next day or two for optimal growth. Or perhaps, can intense stretching exercises to increase range of motion be done daily as appears to be the case for many dancers? Thanks,

[@DrDBYE]

Norman Feril I actually have to disagree with what she is saying in this video. This sounds like theory, because I don’t believe there is a way for us to measure an increase in sarcomeres post stretching. Also, this doesn’t explain PNF stretching. If our flexibility is limited by how many sarcomeres we have, why can we continue to gain practically infinite range of motion during a PNF stretch? Wouldn’t we run out of sarcomeres and out muscles would just snap? This doesn’t make any sense to me. I believe flexibility is determined by your strength through the range of motion. For example, if you perform a straight legged deadlift to the point where you can feel a stretch in your hamstrings, and then contract, you will be gaining strength through a fuller range of motion. After recovering, the adaptation taking place would cause the muscle spindles to not activate as early during the stretch, allowing you to to bend further. In simpler terms, the protective mechanism to prevent you from tearing a muscle is activated when you no longer have the strength to perform in that range of motion anymore. If you can build strength in the new range of motion (like what is done during the isometric contraction during a PNF), your body will no longer have to send pain signals to tell you not to move that far because your body can handle it now

[@matanpeer2504]

Hey, this is a very interesting and useful video. I've only got one question about it: doesn't the lost of sacromeres during muscle training contradict the fact of gaining muscle mass? How can both phenomenons happen as a result of excercise? Thank you in advance!

[@wendy-riggs]

Ahhh! You ask an excellent question. The whole picture is here: kzbin.info/aero/PL5GRRRmaGVqVP0Uv1YFxrMdIRNJUL0Ivx But the discussion of muscle strength is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oquvgZtud856lcU See if those help...because your question really is a great one.

[@matanpeer2504]

Wendy Riggs Thank you very much:) Tommorow I will be watching all the videos!

[@matanpeer2504]

Okay, I've watched some of your videos again now, including this one. I think that the answer is basically found in this video. If I understand correctly, gaining muscle mass is about increasing the amount of the myofilaments, regardless of what happens to the amount of the sarcomeres. For example, when you do biceps curls without streching, you can increase the number of myofilaments (such as actin and myosin) in your muscle, and at the same time decrease the number of your sarcomeres. Both processes are actually not contradictory. Right?:)

[@zeusa1818]

Hey Wendy, just a random person but I really appreciate your videos. I used to bodybuild with the aim of increasing muscle mass and although I achieved my goals I realized that it cost me my flexibility. Therefore I stopped bodybuilding and switched to more functional exercises (cardio, calisthenics etc) and started to stretch as much as possible. I am very pleased at the progress of my flexibility however I lost muscle mass and strength. I have began to lift weights again, however mainly focusing on powerlifting (big 3: bench, squat, deadlift). So I was wondering if it's possible to have the both of best worlds (muscle/strength & flexibility) or is there always some level of opportunity cost. Thanks!

[@Jabberdau]

Another random person here: Flexibility, is really just strength training with full range of motion and a different set of exersizes. Look up Kneesovertoesguy AKA Ben Patrick. As an example, the average gym goer does romanian deadlifts, but not jefferson curls, the J-curl having been deemed a "bad and dangerous" exersize, but make your own judgement. If I can sum up kneesovertoesguy's concept in one sentence it would be: tension with full range of motion, is what makes you flexible.

[@t1harby]

❤

[@LJK77777]

Really don't know the science!!!