Which term describes the ability to contract muscles for a long time without tiring?

• A. Cardiorespiratory endurance
• B. Muscular endurance
• C. Flexibility
• D. Muscular strength

Answer: (B)

Muscular endurance is the ability of a muscle or group to contract repeatedly or sustain a contraction over an extended period without fatiguing. It depends on how efficiently the muscles can generate energy and resist fatigue during repeated efforts. This differs from muscular strength, which is about the maximum force a muscle can exert in a single effort; cardiorespiratory endurance, which relates to how long the heart and lungs can sustain activity; and flexibility, which is about the range of motion of joints. An example is holding a plank or doing many repetitions of push-ups—the same muscles must keep contracting for a long time, which tests endurance rather than a single maximal effort.