What joint action does the term 'flexor' primarily refer to?

The term 'flexor' primarily refers to the action of decreasing the angle at a joint. In anatomical terms, flexors are muscles that cause flexion, which is the movement that reduces the space between two parts of the body at a joint. For instance, when you bend your elbow, the biceps muscle acts as a flexor, pulling the forearm closer to the upper arm and thus decreasing the angle at the elbow joint.

Understanding this action is crucial for Pilates practitioners, as many exercises involve movements that focus on flexion in various parts of the body, such as the spine and hips. Recognizing that a flexor muscle is responsible for this specific joint action allows for better insight into movement patterns, muscle engagement, and the importance of flexibility and strength in those muscles during Pilates practice.