I was reading through someone’s workout post and it reminded me of being a pup. I always lift, very seldom stretch, though I do spurts of DDP Yoga at times. Even then flexibility has not been my God given talent.
Many years ago I interviewed for a teaching spot in the Sacramento School District. About that time the district was famous for throwing a Christmas party that cost in the $100,000s. But the district also had to send out a memo to staff that it was not appropriate to bring students as dates to the district functions.
Regardless of that, I had my interview. I was confident, I was special ed certified and I figured I could walk in drunk and get hired. I should have been drunk. At the time (early 30s) I was strong. I was doing shoulder press with 200+ pounds. So what ? You ask. There was a test for physical and strength, cardio (box jumps I think), and… flexibility. For strength I had to lift a 40 lbs. box over my head. I did. I cardio-ed just fine. But I could not touch my toes, maybe even my knees. Unfortunately (or for the good of me), I did not pass the physical part of the physical.
If I could go back I would ask the lady in charge, “Ma’am, would you rather have me have the strength to carry students out of a building if need be?” Or, should I touch my toes?
As I age I notice that strength training helps with my flexibility. I will never be Diamond Dallas, or Bikram, but I have not needed to be. But in emergencies regarding my chosen career, I do think strength would be handier.