Factors Influencing Flexibility FVS

As a general rule, women __________. A. are more flexible than men B. are less flexible than men C. are as flexible than men D. are flexible in different ways than men

A. are more flexible than men

Regular stretching is an important part of a regular exercise program and should be done whenever you exercise. What are four benefits of stretching. (Site 1)

Four benefits of stretching are improvement of your performance in physical activities, decrease in your risk of injuries, helping your joints move through their full range of motion, and enabling your muscles to work most effectively.

How can poor posture result in back pain? A. Bad posture can result in tight muscles. B. Bad posture hyperextends the spinal column. C. Bad posture increases back flexibility. D. Bad posture reduces stress on joints and tendons.

A. Bad posture can result in tight muscles.

Based upon body type, which of the following athletes would you expect to have the least flexibility? A. a gymnast B. a ballerina C. a bodybuilder D. a cyclist

C. a bodybuilder

What comes together at a joint? A. an arc of movement B. flexible tissue C. two bones D. skin and hair

C. two bones

Flexibility is not important when performing daily tasks. True False

False

Joints all move in the same way. True False

False

Flexibility can be influenced by internal and external factors. In a paragraph, summarize which type of factor you feel is easier to control. (Site 2)

Internal factors are harder to control in that you would have to modify your body to change them, but this can be done in some cases. You can stretch to lengthen your muscles and tendons, but it will take time and effort. There are a lot of external factors that you can control such as the temperature of the room or your body, your commitment to the stretching, or what clothes you wear. However, there are some external factors that you cannot control such as your age, your gender, or your body's rate and ability to recover joints or muscles.

How can stiff and tight muscles result in back pain?

Nerves constricted by tight muscles can cause pain and stiffness. Stiff and tight muscles can also result in bad posture, which can also cause back and neck pain from putting extra strain on them. *Responses will vary. A sample response follows:* Stiff and tight muscles can constrict nerves in the back. When these nerves are constricted, it can result in sensations of pain throughout the back, especially the lower back.

Flexibility is the capacity to move a joint through its full range of motion. True False

True

Muscle mass can affect a person's flexibility. True False

True

Which of the following would you expect a woman to be able to do if she was known to have excellent static flexibility? A. hold a difficult ballet pose B. throw a ball quickly C. perform swift, complicated motions D. perform a perfect golf swing

A. hold a difficult ballet pose

Poor flexibility may be caused by __________. A. muscle tightness B. muscle looseness C. youth D. high levels of fitness

A. muscle tightness

Why are muscle and fat levels the only factors influencing flexibility impacted by personal decisions? A. Muscle and fat levels are mostly determined by heredity. B. Age, gender, and joint structure cannot be changed. C. Personal decisions have significant impacts on age and gender. D. Flexibility is not dependent upon muscle and fat levels.

B. Age, gender, and joint structure cannot be changed.

What is the impact of age on flexibility? A. Younger people tend to develop flexibility more slowly. B. Younger people tend to be more flexible. C. Older people tend to be more flexible. D. Older people cannot maintain their flexibility.

B. Younger people tend to be more flexible.

Which of the following is NOT an example of good static flexibility? A. doing and holding a split B. running a mile in six minutes C. holding a ballet position for six minutes D. crossing your ankles behind your head

B. running a mile in six minutes

Which of the following activities would NOT help increase flexibility? A. tai chi B. sunbathing C. playing basketball D. tennis

B. sunbathing

Which is the BEST statement about joint flexibility? A. It is constant for any joint type. B. It is constant within a family. C. It is consistent between an individual's joints. D. It varies from joint to joint.

D. It varies from joint to joint.

Which of the following statements about stretching is *NOT* true? A. Stretching increases flexibility. B. Stretching improves range of motion of joints. C. Stretching improves circulation. D. Stretching helps increase stress.

D. Stretching helps increase stress.

Bad posture can result in __________. A. neck pain B. back pain C. muscle tightness D. all of the above

D. all of the above

Poor flexibility can result in __________. A. poor mobility B. injuries C. pain D. all of the above

D. all of the above

Flexibility training can enhance enjoyment of activities by making it easier to __________. A. understand activities B. maintain good posture C. tire the muscles D. perform activities

D. perform activities

Why do activities like yoga, ballet, and gymnastics require better than normal flexibility?

In these activities, you are constantly moving your entire body through its full range of motion, so you have to have the dynamic flexibility to be able to do this with ease, so you can focus on the task at hand, which might be doing a graceful dance routine or a peaceful yoga pose. *Responses will vary. A sample response follows:* All of these activities involve assuming and holding precise forms and positions. Holding these controlled positions requires a level of static flexibility beyond that required by everyday activities.

Explain how poor flexibility can make daily tasks more difficult.

Poor flexibility can make it difficult for you to move through your life and do activities that involve bending, reaching, or kneeling like tying your shoes or putting something in a cabinet. *Responses will vary. A sample response follows:* Poor flexibility can make body movements, such as kneeling and bending over, far more difficult. This can make daily activities that use these movements more difficult. Accomplishing activities like cleaning the house can require bending over and kneeling, so when poor flexibility negatively impacts these activities, it makes larger tasks more difficult.

Explain why regular exercise is the best way to prevent flexibility issues.

Regular exercise will keep your body moving through its full range of motion, ensuring your dynamic flexibility. Some good exercises for this are pilates, yoga, swimming, or any other full body movement. If you lead a sedentary life, your muscles will become stiff and tight, which can lead to pain and injury. *Responses will vary. A sample response follows:* Regular exercise helps keep muscles healthy and in good shape. Muscle stiffness that reduces flexibility often results from the overuse of muscle, but inactivity also weakens muscles and can make them more susceptible to injury. Regular exercise keeps muscles strong and makes it less likely that simple activities will overwork or injure them.

Compare and contrast static and dynamic flexibility.

Static flexibility is the ability to assume and maintain an extended position, and many things can influence it, some of which can be control and some of which cannot be controlled. Dynamic flexibility is the ability to move a joint through its range of motion with little resistance. This involves movement, whereas static flexibility does not involve movement. Dynamic flexibility is influenced by static flexibility, strength, coordination, and others. *Responses will vary. A sample response follows:* Static flexibility is the ability to assume and maintain an extended position, such as a gymnast who can perform the splits or a ballerina who can assume and hold a complicated ballet position. Dynamic flexibility involves the ability to move a joint through a full range of motion without much resistance and is influenced by strength, coordination, and static flexibility. Static flexibility is a contributing factor to dynamic flexibility.