Here are some factors affecting flexibility and range of motion:

• Age
• Health
• Weight
• Fitness Level
• Heredity

Age: As individuals age, they do tend to become less active, and this is a major contributor toward a decrease in their flexibility and range of motion. Aging itself doesn’t reduce the body’s range of motion; our body's ability is primarily developed by practice. If an individual continues to train, and stretching is an active part of their fitness regimen, they may enjoy a full life of flexibility.

Health: Flexibility is often affected by the state of health of an individual and the presence or absence of disease. Arthritis and many other diseases affecting the joints can impact flexibility levels. Also, many different types of medications used to treat diseases can limit range of motion and joint health. For these reasons, it's good to check with your physician before engaging in a stretching or fitness routine.

Weight: The biggest factor weight plays on limiting flexibility is that it can obstruct full joint movements. The weight can be due to large muscles or an accumulation of fatty tissue; either way, if it gets in the way, the joint can’t extend any further and the range of motion is limited. The degree of muscle suppleness and ability to stretch is not affected by weight, but in some cases, when body tissue due to weight gain is in the way, the range of a muscle is limited.

Fitness Level: To take advantage of the full range of motion possible for your joints, the muscles, tendons and ligaments will need the ability to perform the movements correctly. If the muscles lack the appropriate strength or level of flexibility necessary, certain movements are not going to be possible. Once an individual improves their fitness level by strengthening and stretching, their range of motion will improve and increase.

Heredity: As human beings, we are complex creatures with psychology, biology and physiology playing a major role in everything we do. Some folks are born with aptitudes, talents and physiques, which allow them to do certain things better then others. But even though they begin with certain advantages, many of them later are surpassed by those not born with them. Flexibility is just like most talents; it’s not what you’re born with, but what you do with what you have. Everyone can enjoy a wide range of motion with the proper training, dedication and discipline to perform the exercises needed to obtain  benefits in terms of strength and flexibility.