Strength and flexibility work are not at odds with each other. They actually support one and other. If you only do flexibility work your joints might lose their integrity and lead to injury.
There is a true story from the late 1940’s. John Grimick, the undisputed top body builder of his time was putting on a show at Springfield College. Dr. Peter Karpovich, the leading exercise physiologist at the time, was standing at the back of the auditorium watching in amusement. When Grimick had finished his routine, Karpovich yelled out, " that’s very nice, but can you touch your toes." Without saying a word, Grimick stepped onto a platform bend down from his waist and without bending his knees placed his forearms by his toes. He then turned around and reached over his head with one arm and around the back with the other and grabbed both hands by his back.
He left the stage without saying a word. Karpovich, totally embarrassed, went back stage to apologize and inquire how Grimick could perform such feats of flexibility while being so muscular. Grimick explained that if he performed each exercise to its full range of motion he not only maintained flexibility, he increased it.
Karpovich went on to write a book on strength training for increased flexibility.
DougStern
I believe its Grimeck and the story is true. Karpovich was a proponent of “musclebound theory”, after this meeting (which has been told numerous way’s) Karpovich repsonded “there’s no such thing as musclebound”. Good story and lesson.
I stand corrected and thanks.
I was a former body builder and used my swimming to gain athletic points in competition in the mid 1960’s
DougStern