ACSM Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of flexibility training?

1. Reduces muscle tension

2. Improves ease of movement

3. Increases muscle size

4. Decreases DOMS

The correct answer is: Increases muscle size

Flexibility training primarily focuses on enhancing the range of motion of joints and the elasticity of muscles, which leads to benefits such as reducing muscle tension, improving ease of movement, and decreasing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). However, increasing muscle size is typically associated with resistance training rather than flexibility training. Flexibility training does not directly promote hypertrophy, which is the process of muscle fibers increasing in size as a result of consistent strength training. While flexibility may contribute to an improved ability to perform exercises that can lead to muscle growth, it does not itself initiate the physiological processes necessary for muscle hypertrophy. Therefore, stating that flexibility training increases muscle size is not accurate in the context of its primary benefits.