Home
« Return to Anatomy & Physiology

The Anatomy & Physiology of Flexibility & Stretching — Biomechanics for Yoga Teachers, Yoga Therapists, Health & Wellness Coaches, Holistic Healthcare Providers

Lesson Overview

In this lesson, we explore the relatively complex perspectives related to the anatomy and physiology of flexibility and stretching.

Objective

Understand what limits flexibility (including connective tissue and the nervous system) and gain a deeper understanding of stretching.

Description

Define flexibility and factors that may limit flexibility. Explain what happens to a person’s muscles when anesthetized and the significance of this. Describe what happens when personal ROM limits are reached. Define three possible muscles states. Explain what is meant by “a tensile load” and provide the benefits of stretching. Define and give an example of the following types of stretching: passive / passive static, active / active static, dynamic, resistance and PNF.

Vocabulary

active stretching, dynamic stretching, facilitated stretching, flexibility, passive stretching, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), resistance stretching, static stretching, stretching, tensile load

Related Lessons

This is part of a series of related topics. Use the quick menu above to navigate within this section.

Welcome to Wellness Resource Center and Yoga Teacher Central, serving providers, teachers, coaches, and trainers since 2012. Get what you need when you need it: research curations and evidence-based teachings at your fingertips.

Join now for access to our ad-free resources.

Evidence-based content and education for wellness providers and teachers.

© 2026 Wellness Resource Central • All rights reserved • Terms of service • Privacy policy