Does stretching or massage have health value outside of barbell training?

[anotherperson]

Hello all,

I understand the scientific evidence-based view that barbell training is the most efficient method to improve various important health metrics. And the view that stretching is not the right approach to improve one’s ability to train with a barbell (simply training with a barbell is).

Is it possible that a form of stretching (such as that in yoga) or a form of massage, done by someone who also trains with a barbell, could increase enjoyment of life through decreased minor pain and increased fluidity of everyday motion (e.g. feeling loose and limber while walking)?

Many thanks to BBM and those who contribute to this form for the shared knowledge and commitment to health

[Austin_Baraki]

@anotherperson

I understand the scientific evidence-based view that barbell training is the most efficient method to improve various important health metrics.

This is actually not our position, because that is not a “scientific evidence-based” view.

@anotherperson

And the view that stretching is not the right approach to improve one’s ability to train with a barbell (simply training with a barbell is).

The argument is not whether it’s a “right” or “wrong” approach, but rather whether it’s necessary or uniquely beneficial for this goal – which we feel it isn’t.

@anotherperson

Is it possible that a form of stretching (such as that in yoga) or a form of massage, done by someone who also trains with a barbell, could increase enjoyment of life through decreased minor pain and increased fluidity of everyday motion (e.g. feeling loose and limber while walking)?

Sure, if those sensations are something that you place a value on.

[anotherperson]

Thank you. Your answer on the value of value of these things is really helpful for me.

My original comment on the BBM position of resistance training vs other forms of exercise was based on this, from your QuickStart guide:

Here are some of the things resistance training does better than any other form of exercise:

1. Improves strength

2. Builds lean body mass

3. Increases bone density

4. Improves balance when using ground based free-weight exercises

I assumed that this is a conclusion BBM reached from digging through the scientific literature on various forms of exercise. Could you help clarify my misunderstanding?

[Austin_Baraki]

@anotherperson

My original comment on the BBM position of resistance training vs other forms of exercise was based on this, from your QuickStart guide:

I assumed that this is a conclusion BBM reached from digging through the scientific literature on various forms of exercise. Could you help clarify my misunderstanding?

You’ll note that it says “resistance training” and not “barbell training”.

[JOwwruJost]

Firstly, regular flexibility training significantly increases blood flow in the muscles, and this contributes to their development and accelerated recovery after strength training.