I've read from others that stretching can be very beneficial to weightlifting. I'm 44 years old and I notice myself getting injured easier and my muscles get tight/cramped more frequently than when I was younger. So I'd like to try stretching, but where do I start?
Are there any good books or guides on stretching to support weightlifting?
Stretching is not beneficial to weightlifting or strength training, unless a lack of flexibility prevents you from performing an exercise. E.g. If your shoulders are so inflexible that you can't hold the bar in a back squat or catch the bar in a snatch, stretching your shoulders may help you perform those specific exercises.
But there is no benefit to stretching in terms of reduction in soreness or injury risk. Stretching before exercise can also cause temporary reductions in stretch which can negatively impact your workout. Increased flexibility can also result in chronic performance reductions - e.g. flexible pecs are inefficient for the bench press, and flexible calves are inefficient for running.
If you want to stretch because it feels good or because you have specific flexibility goals, then you can stretch after a strength workout, but this certainly isn't necessary if you have no other reason to do it.
For more information, see: https://www.strongerbyscience.com/benefits-of-static-stretching-stretched-out-of-proportion/
A favorite book of mine is: Becoming a Supple Leopard by Dr. Kelly Starrett.
It is far more comprehensive than just stretching but it provides lots advice and techniques for improving mobility for the purpose of being able to perform exercizes with proper technique (helping to avoid injury). It also serves as a very good guide to proper technique and some basic biomechanics.
