What factors can influence an individual's flexibility?

Flexibility is the range of motion available at a joint, and several factors can influence it. Among these, gender, age, and activity level play significant roles.

Gender affects flexibility due to physiological differences between males and females. Generally, females tend to be more flexible than males. This difference can be attributed to the structure of connective tissues and hormonal variations, which can enhance flexibility.

Age is another crucial factor; as people grow older, they often experience a natural decline in flexibility. This can occur due to changes in muscle elasticity, joint structures, and activity levels. Younger individuals typically possess greater flexibility, which is why it's common to see children and adolescents perform more dynamic movements than older adults.

Activity level is also critical. Individuals who engage in regular physical activity, especially those who incorporate stretching routines or activities that promote flexibility, are likely to maintain or improve their flexibility over time. Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to a decrease in flexibility due to muscle stiffness and reduced elasticity.

While nutrition and hydration can play supporting roles in overall health and performance, they do not directly determine an individual's flexibility to the extent that gender, age, and activity level do. Muscle mass may contribute to the overall strength and body composition but does not govern flexibility independently. Thus