Posted by Not a Fitness Pro on October 10, 1999 at 16:21:14:
In Reply to: Speed posted by James Clark on October 10, 1999 at 08:09:09:
: Is your speed in running affected if you undertake upperbody strength weight training. I am currently an intermediate boxer and also play football, and I am worried that my spped will be hindered due to strength training. Also will my punches be slower if I build up my bicep muscles?
: hope to hear from you soon, cheers.
James, your answer is yes and no.
As you add mass to your body, you may slow down due to your increased weight, but it may not be much. In fact, you may end up faster because your leg muscles will strengthen as well, to cope with your higher body weight.
As for the bicep muscles, if you focus on them to the point where they are excessive, yes you will slow down. The reason won't be their mass, however, it will be their size. It is more likely that your movement will be restricted than your arm speed will slow down.