Do I need to squeezewhen lifting weights?

[jay.ice]

Hey guys i was wondering when imlifting weights i do not squeeze/contract whilce im doing the movement. is there a benefit of squeezing the muscle you are working? and why?
Thank You

[NVR2BIG1]

Yes and No, I have different phases I go through myself. Squeezing and contracting help give you a full, pumped look. They help the muscle get harder and denser, but you cannot train as heavy doing this. Well, we also know that muscles respond to heavy weight by growing bigger and stronger, so sometimes its necessary to train heavy enough to grow, but we may not be able to contract as hard, it doesnt mean we wont benefit from it in a different manner. So I say both, heavy during growing time, lighter but harder squeeze during cutting. Thats just how I do

[G Lock]

It would be best you probably do but I never do and get results

[Turkish Juicer]

I always squeeze and contract the muscle, regardless of weight.

Otherwise you are working the muscle, you are just moving around the weight.

If you want to develop explosive strength while conducting heavy compound exercises, it is true that contraction will be pretty much out of the picture.