Which factor is most likely to decrease flexibility over time?

One factor that is most likely to decrease flexibility over time is a sedentary lifestyle. When a person leads a sedentary lifestyle, they spend a lot of time sitting or being inactive without engaging in regular physical activity. This lack of movement can lead to decreased flexibility because:

• **Muscles and joints are not being used or stretched regularly, which makes them stiff over time.**
• Without movement, **the body does not maintain the necessary range of motion**, making it harder to perform physical activities that require flexibility.
• Inactivity can also result in other negative outcomes, such as weight gain, which can further burden the joints and muscles.

To improve or maintain flexibility, it is important to engage in regular physical activity and incorporate exercises such as stretching and movement-based exercises (like yoga or Pilates) into your routine. This helps keep the muscles and joints supple and enhances the body's overall flexibility.