Does Flexing Build Muscle?
Are you wondering whether flexing builds muscles? Don’t worry; this article will help you understand the basics of flexing and how you can achieve positive results.
Flexing is a part of bodybuilding where bodybuilders contract their muscles without changing their length. Bodybuilders use flexing to showcase their muscular physique in bodybuilding events and photoshoots.
But does flexing build muscle? Although professionals argue this topic, many claim that flexing helps increase muscular symmetry and size.
This article will help you understand the basics of flexing, including isometric exercises, and how it fits into a comprehensive strength training program.
Do Bodybuilders Flex?
Whether an untrained individual or a trained professional, you will flex in front of your mirror multiple times a day.
So the answer is clear, bodybuilders do flex as it is an integral part of bodybuilding, which allows them to showcase the symmetry and overall development of their muscles.
Bodybuilders use multiple poses to flex and contract their muscles, creating an optical illusion that helps them to portray larger, more special forces.
However, you need more than flexing alone to build muscles, as actual weightlifting and bodybuilding require a specific training routine to get desired results.
For instance, you must follow a strict routine involving heavy weightlifting, proper nutrition, and adequate rest to build muscles. Additionally, the practice involves months of training under professional guidance and adequate equipment.
On the other hand, bodybuilders typically flex during competitions and photoshoots, where they want to show off their muscular physique.
It helps bodybuilders highlight the separation and definition of their muscles, making them appear more significant and impressive.
In short, flexing is an everyday bodybuilding activity but not the sole factor in achieving a desired physique.
What is Isometric Flexing?
Isometric flexing is a type of body movement that allows you to contract your muscles without changing length.
For instance, if you hold your muscles in a static position for some time, you perform an isometric exercise. It differs from traditional weightlifting, as you only contract your muscles and extend them through different motions using specific equipment.
So is isometric flexing beneficial? Isometric flexing can provide several benefits, and many people include it in their training routine.
Practicing isometric flexing can increase muscle strength and endurance. Likewise, it can improve joint stability by contracting muscles without too much pressure.
Furthermore, isometric exercises do not require any joint movement. So, people with everyday problems or who have suffered from an injury can practice isometric exercises without any issues.
Since Isometric exercises are easy to perform, you can include them in your training regime with minimal fuss. You can target specific muscle groups and work on muscle imbalances without incorporating special gym equipment.
In short, isometric flexing is a convenient way of improving your overall fitness and muscle strength and allows you to target specific muscles with minimal fuss.
However, consult a qualified professional before practicing isometric exercises if you are a bodybuilding enthusiast.
What is an example of Isometric exercise?
Isometric or static exercises involve no body movement, so anything that allows your muscles to contract in one position is an example of isometric exercise.
Some joint isometric exercises blend well into a strength training routine.
Wall Squat
Wall squat or sit is a squat exercise where you use a wall to complete the training. It improves your thigh strength and develops your quadriceps muscles without requiring specific equipment.
- Steps to follow
- Stand with your back against a wall and lower your body until your knees form a 90-degree angle.
- Ensure that you achieve a position that resembles sitting on a chair.
- Once you achieve the desired position, maintain it for 15 to 30 seconds. Ensure that your back leans against the wall without any movement.
- After completing 30 seconds, wait for some moments and restart again. Perform this exercise 2 to 3 times daily to get the best results.
- Outcome
As mentioned earlier, wall squat targets your thigh muscles so that you may experience fatigue in your quadriceps muscles. However, performing this exercise daily will strengthen your thigh muscles with minimal fuss.
Plank exercise
Holding a plank is one of the common examples of isometric exercise and is easy to perform. The plank exercise targets multiple muscles, including the glutes, arm muscles, shoulders, chest, quadriceps, and abdominals.
- Steps to follow
- Hold your body straight in a push-up position (you can also start with a kneeling push-up position).
- Maintain this high plank posture, align your shoulders and hands, and keep your legs straight.
- Hold your posture for 1 minute (more if you can maintain the position).
- Outcome
The plank exercise is an excellent way to target multiple body muscles without movement or special equipment. You can perform this exercise 2 to 3 times daily to get the best results.
How to build muscles via flexing
As mentioned earlier, flexing can be an excellent way of building muscles for untrained individuals. However, if you are into professional bodybuilding, you must incorporate flexing (smartly) to get the best benefits.
Heavy weightlifting is tiresome, and incorporating anything in between can be challenging. However, if you insert some isometric exercises within your training regime, you can enhance muscle growth.
For instance, performing a wall squat after you finish your primary exercise will increase your thigh strength. However, ensure that you perform isometric exercises after consulting your trainer, as it can impact your performance while conducting basic activities.
Likewise, you can perform other isometric exercises like low squats, side plank, or V-sit to help you target different muscles on your off days.
So does flexing build muscle? Well, it depends on how you incorporate it into your training routine.
Flexing is a convenient way to build muscle among untrained individuals, while professionals can increase their muscle growth by following the right isometric exercises.
Besides, flexing also has other benefits, which means that when you flex in front of a mirror, you are doing something good to your body.
