What does the term "stretching" specifically refer to?

The term "stretching" specifically refers to the practice of lengthening muscles and tendons to increase flexibility and range of motion around joints. By stretching, individuals aim to improve their flexibility, which can help in enhancing their overall functional movement, reduce the risk of injury, and aid in recovery from workouts.

When we consider the other options, increasing muscle mass relates to strength training rather than stretching, as it focuses on hypertrophy through resistance exercises. Enhancing cardiovascular endurance involves activities that elevate heart rate and improve overall cardiovascular fitness, which is unrelated to the concept of stretching. Lastly, improving reaction time is typically associated with speed and agility training, not stretching, which focuses on muscle elongation rather than neuromuscular response. Thus, the most accurate definition of stretching aligns with the idea of moving the joints within or slightly beyond their accustomed range of motion to promote flexibility.