What is flexibility?

What is flexibility?

• A. Ability to take in oxygen
• B. Maximal amount of force a muscle generates
• C. Ability of muscles to contract repeatedly for extended periods of time without fatigue
• D. Range of movement around a joint

Answer: (D)

Flexibility is the range of movement around a joint. It depends on how long and elastic the muscles and tendons are, along with the ligaments and the joint capsule, and how the nervous system allows movement. When a joint can move through its full range with control and without pain, flexibility is high. This is distinct from the other fitness components: taking in oxygen relates to cardiorespiratory endurance, the maximal force a muscle can generate relates to muscular strength, and the ability to contract repeatedly over time relates to muscular endurance. So the statement that describes moving a joint through its full range of motion best captures what flexibility measures. You can improve it with regular, safely progressive stretching and proper warm-ups.

Flexibility is the range of movement around a joint. It depends on how long and elastic the muscles and tendons are, along with the ligaments and the joint capsule, and how the nervous system allows movement. When a joint can move through its full range with control and without pain, flexibility is high. This is distinct from the other fitness components: taking in oxygen relates to cardiorespiratory endurance, the maximal force a muscle can generate relates to muscular strength, and the ability to contract repeatedly over time relates to muscular endurance. So the statement that describes moving a joint through its full range of motion best captures what flexibility measures. You can improve it with regular, safely progressive stretching and proper warm-ups.