Chapter 7: Flexibility & Mobility

Question 1

Define flexibility and describe the benefits of developing it as part of a personal training program.

Answer 1

Flexibility is range of motion (ROM) of joints and myofascia. It relates to the mobility and function of each joint and assists the body in adapting to physical challenges.

Flexibility training can help clients: - improve their posture.

• improve blood flow.
• increase ability to recover from training.
• improve their ROM, overall mobility, and strength.
• improve the ability of their muscles and connective tissues to lengthen.
• decrease the formation of trigger points within muscle tissue.

Question 2

Briefly describe how weak muscles can be made stronger through flexibility training.

Answer 2

If a particular muscle is overactivated, it can inhibit (and weaken the contraction of) its antagonist muscle. By stretching the tight muscle, its weak antagonist will be able to contract with more optimal strength and power, and thus become stronger.

Question 3

What kind of flexibility training is not recommended before or during training because it can reduce power and weaken muscle?

Answer 3

static stretching

Question 4

Flexibility is:

a. joint specific
b. specific to an exercise
c. individual specific
d. all of the above

Answer 4

d. All of the above

Question 5

The physiological property that allows tissues in the body to return to their original state after stretching is called

Answer 5

elasticity

Question 6

The interconnectivity of joints, muscles, and fascia can be described using:

a. myofascial slings
b. myofascial systems
c. myofascial chains
d. all of the above

Answer 6

d. all of the above

Question 7

Assessment of mobility and flexibility can include the performance of:

a. daily movement activities
b. The “Core Four”
c. a specific exercise
d. all of the above

Answer 7

d. all of the above