Which of the following best describes endurance?

Endurance is best described as the ability to perform an activity for an extended period of time. This definition encompasses both cardiovascular endurance, which relates to the efficiency of the heart and lungs in supplying oxygen during prolonged physical activity, and muscular endurance, which pertains to the ability of a muscle or group of muscles to sustain repeated contractions over time.

The significance of endurance lies in its role in various physical activities and sports, where maintaining performance over longer durations is crucial. For example, long-distance runners, cyclists, and swimmers all rely heavily on their endurance to perform optimally.

In contrast, other concepts listed, such as exerting maximal force or the range of motion in joints, pertain to different aspects of physical fitness—specifically strength and flexibility, respectively. Therefore, endurance distinctly focuses on the time and ability to sustain activities, making it the most accurate option in this context.