What does muscular endurance refer to?

Muscular endurance specifically refers to the capacity of a muscle or muscle group to perform repeated contractions over an extended period without fatigue. This involves the muscles' ability to sustain prolonged exertion, which is critical in various physical activities that require stamina and lasting power, such as long-distance running, cycling, or swimming.

In contrast, other concepts such as maximum force or high-intensity activities focus on strength and power rather than endurance. Maximum force relates to muscular strength, which emphasizes the greatest amount of force that can be exerted in a single effort, while high-intensity activities demand short bursts of energy rather than sustained efforts. Additionally, the ability to move joints through a full range of motion pertains to flexibility, which, although important for overall fitness, does not directly correlate with muscular endurance.

Thus, the focus on repeated contractions over time distinguishes muscular endurance from other aspects of fitness, making this the correct definition.