page_title: Flexibility (anatomy)
hierarchical_section_title: Flexibility (anatomy)
caption_attribution_description: Russian rhythmic gymnast Irina Chaschina stretching. This is an example of an oversplit, or a split that exceeds 180 degrees.
context_page_description: Flexibility or limberness refers to the range of movement in a joint or series of joints, and length in muscles that cross the joints to induce a bending movement or motion. Flexibility varies between individuals, particularly in terms of differences in muscle length of multi-joint muscles. Flexibility in some joints can be increased to a certain degree by exercise, with stretching a common exercise component to maintain or improve flexibility.
  Hypermobility, also known as double-jointedness, describes joints that stretch farther than normal.
context_section_description: Flexibility or limberness refers to the range of movement in a joint or series of joints, and length in muscles that cross the joints to induce a bending movement or motion. Flexibility varies between individuals, particularly in terms of differences in muscle length of multi-joint muscles.  Flexibility in some joints can be increased to a certain degree by exercise, with stretching a common exercise component to maintain or improve flexibility.
  Hypermobility, also known as double-jointedness, describes joints that stretch farther than normal.
caption: An oversplit by former Olympic gymnast Irina Tchachina
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