Strain: Overusing certain muscles or engaging in repetitive movements can lead to tightness and reduced flexibility. Genetic factors: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to reduced flexibility, which can make it more difficult to achieve and maintain good flexibility.

A study posted in the American Journal of Physiology has associated poor flexibility with arterial stiffening. Arterial stiffening is called arteriosclerosis and it influences how hard your heart has to work to pump blood through your body. Myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke are both a direct consequence of atherosclerosis.

Many variables affect the loss of normal joint flexibility including injury, inactivity or a lack of stretching. The range of motion will be influenced by the mobility of the soft tissues that surround the joint. These soft tissues include: muscles, ligaments, tendons, joint capsules, and skin.