EFFECTS OF RESISTANCE TRAINING ON FLEXIBILITY: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

The present study aims to examine the effects of resistance training on flexibility. The practice of resistance training, commonly known as weightlifting, has grown exponentially in recent years due to its health benefits, but mainly for aesthetic reasons, as it promotes muscle hypertrophy. Flexibility, on the other hand, is the attribute that a muscle has to move in a greater range of motion and is achieved through stretching exercises. However, the practice of stretching is often overlooked by many weightlifters, as it is not associated with hypertrophy, one of the main goals of resistance training practitioners. Therefore, this research will adopt the methodology of integrative review of existing literature on the subject, in order to reveal the effects of resistance training on flexibility. The selection of scientific articles was done through the application of descriptors and publication year, which was not earlier than 2014. Finally, it was found that resistance training promotes flexibility in various joints and body extensions, but compared to other forms of physical activity, resistance training may provide less flexibility. Furthermore, based on the experimental studies conducted, it is found that resistance training is more effective if the practitioner has good flexibility levels.