Does body weight have an effect on flexibility

[Gatsby]

Given the fact that strengthening muscles allows the stretch reflex to be less harshly applied, do you think it's possible to combine this with weight loss, to trick the muscles into thinking they're stronger.

E.g. If the muscles don't have to tense up as much to keep you in place when you're stretching (because you weigh less), it's equivalent to having stronger muscles isn't it?

I'm not advocating that everyone rushes out and gets on the amoebic dysentery diet, but more curious whether anyone thinks it's possible it could have an effect.

No substitute for blood, sweat and tears, I know, but just curious.

Maybe I'll drop 5 or 6 pounds and see if it makes a difference.

[Origional]

you have an interesting point, and I am curious about the results. However, I don't 5-6 lbs would make a noticeable difference.

[Ernest]

Hello, i don't have anything useful to say here, but i saw your name. I just finished reading a book called The Great Gatsby. It was pretty bad. That's all.

[Lord Nirmal]

If you are too fat, your fat can get in the way, for example: Ted Kennedy cannot touch his toes (or even see them).

[Aiden Bloodaxe]

The weight could help push you down into the splits easier when you get to the final stages of achieving them.I don't think you should be caring too much about this anyway..

[tuareg]

i heard that fat people tend to be more flexible for some reason, but i've seen really unflexible fatsos, so it's likely genetics.

[Gatsby]

The weight could help push you down into the splits easier when you get to the final stages of achieving them.I don't think you should be caring too much about this anyway..

I guess it's swings and roundabouts isn't it.

If you're heavy, you've got weight pushing you down, but possibly a tougher stretch reflex to beat, or if you're light, less stretch reflex, but less gravitational assistance.

[Papa Lazarou]

Well probably it's more about how much weight you let your muscles take up.

It's not like one typically puts their full body weight through the stretch. Like, I could weigh 70 kilos or 80 with the same muscles, but I'd be putting, say, 30 kilos onto the stretched muscles either way.

Still, interesting question...

[Origional]

i heard that fat people tend to be more flexible for some reason, but i've seen really unflexible fatsos, so it's likely genetics.

My friend, who is 13 and weighs 300 lbs can do full spits and put his leg behind his head:dead:

[Gatsby]

Well probably it's more about how much weight you let your muscles take up.

It's not like one typically puts their full body weight through the stretch. Like, I could weigh 70 kilos or 80 with the same muscles, but I'd be putting, say, 30 kilos onto the stretched muscles either way.

Still, interesting question...

Just to clarify, do you mean you support some of your body weight, say, with your arms, rather than take it all in the stretch?

I've been taking all my weight in the stretch, in the possibly mistaken belief that it'll increase my muscle strength in the extended position. Maybe this has hindered my progress?

What do other people do with regard to the amount of weight they allow through the stretch?

[Ryan Murray]

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Dg4QNJZm6_M

[tuareg]

My friend, who is 13 and weighs 300 lbs can do full spits and put his leg behind his head:dead:

i could do pretty much the same thing when i was a fatty.

[DownSyndromeGuy]

Hello, i don't have anything useful to say here, but i saw your name. I just finished reading a book called The Great Gatsby. It was pretty bad. That's all.what a nerd rofl

[short gorilla]

Yes because only nerds read books you fucking moron.

[Aiden Bloodaxe]

what a nerd roflQ: Wow! How funny was that post?

A: Not at all!

[Papa Lazarou]

It's like he's trying to get banned :agony:

[Ashtar]

Weight loss doesn't occur quickly enough to confuse you this way. It's more your strength:weight ratio that might affect this. If your body is only used to bearing its own weight under unathletic conditions (walking around) then it does'nt have the excess of strength. If you spend a lot of time sprinting, jumping, lunging, etc lifting weights, wearing a weighted vest, etc muscular activities then you'll have the excess.