Which of the following is a health-related component of fitness?

Flexibility is a health-related component of fitness because it plays a crucial role in overall physical health and wellness. It refers to the range of motion in joints and the ability of muscles to lengthen. Increased flexibility can enhance performance in physical activities, reduce the risk of injuries, and improve overall posture and balance. This ability is important for daily activities and overall body functionality, which aligns closely with health-related fitness concepts.

The other options, while important aspects of physical fitness, fall into different categories. For instance, power relates more to athletic performance and is a skill-related component, focusing on the ability to exert maximum effort in a short period. Reaction time measures how quickly one responds to a stimulus, also categorized as skill-related fitness. Speed, similarly, is associated with the rate at which one can move, emphasizing athleticism rather than health. These distinctions clarify why flexibility is the correct choice as it directly contributes to health-related fitness, impacting long-term well-being.