What is the relationship between flexibility and balance?

Improved flexibility enhances balance because it allows for greater range of motion in the joints and muscles, which is crucial for maintaining stability during movement. When an individual has sufficient flexibility, their body can adjust more effectively to changes in position and alignment, which is essential for executing various athletic movements and daily activities.

For example, a gymnast or a dancer must possess both flexibility and balance to perform routines that require them to shift their weight dynamically. Flexibility enables them to reach positions that contribute to maintaining equilibrium. Additionally, flexible muscles can react and adapt more quickly to challenges in balance, such as uneven surfaces or sudden changes in direction. Thus, the relationship is synergistic, as enhanced flexibility supports better balance, leading to improved performance in many skill-related activities.