There I was, in the middle of a “Yin & Restorative” yoga class, standing out like a sore thumb. Dressed in a black Otomix tank top and camouflage shorts, I was surrounded by a sea of Lululemon. Did I get some attention? Absolutely. But it wasn’t just my appearance—it was my flexibility.

With several poses, I could keep up with the best in the class, which seemed to take many by surprise. The common perception is that a “muscle-bound” individual is tight and inflexible, but that’s not always the case. Legendary bodybuilders like Ronnie Coleman and Flex Wheeler could perform full splits, and Tom Platz, who had arguably the best legs in bodybuilding history, demonstrated impressive flexibility. Take a look at the photos below—what do you think?

I didn’t attend yoga to improve flexibility per se, but rather to address my myofascial system and enhance recovery from training. If you want to progress in weight training, you need to recover—it’s that simple. Restoration methods like the ones I discuss in Mass Explosion are essential for anyone serious about building muscle and strength.

The problem with many avid trainees is that they focus solely on working out while neglecting working in. It’s all yang, no yin—until performance declines, injuries arise, and training takes a toll on their health.

Classic overtraining symptoms—such as depression, lack of motivation, and decreased energy—are warning signs that it’s time to ease up on training and prioritize recovery. In fact, mood changes often appear before any drop in performance, so listen to both your mind and body.

Bottom Line

For optimal health and long-term success, recovery is just as important as training. Make it a priority.