Hyperextension of joints is often attributed to low muscle tone. Although this diagnosis has become extremely common within the pediatric therapy world, why exactly does it happen? The main reason for increased flexibility at the joint is because the individual’s resting (or non-contracted) length of their muscles is more significant than average. When muscles are lengthened, they can produce more force. Muscle force increases with muscle length up to a certain point, called optimal length.
10 Famous Athletes with Low Muscle Tone/Hyperextension
Below are 10 famous athletes that have been diagnosed with low muscle tone.
1) LeBron James (Basketball, NBA)
For many people, LeBron James is the very epitome of strength and athleticism. From winning multiple MVP awards to earning Olympic Gold medals with Team USA, Lebron has accomplished it all in his sport. And yet, despite his immense talent and incredible work ethic, Lebron has been diagnosed with low muscle tone.
2) Michael Phelps (Swimming, Olympics)
Michael Phelps is a household name in sports, and due to his extensive swimming background, he knows a thing or two about long muscles. At 6 foot 4 inches, Michael Phelps is one of the tallest swimmers to ever compete in the sport. And because of this, he is highly flexible at his joints. So much so that it has been diagnosed as low muscle tone!
3) Kyrie Irving (Basketball, NBA)
Another athlete who knows a thing or two about long muscles is Kyrie Irving. The 26-year-old point guard plays for the Boston Celtics and recently led his team to a championship victory, proving he is one of the best players in the world. But Kyrie isn’t just talented on the court. He is also a champion off of it. But, unfortunately, Kyrie has been diagnosed with low muscle tone, just like his NBA All-Star peers LeBron and Michael.
4) Johnny Damon (Baseball, MLB)
A fan favorite in the baseball world, Johnny Damon is known for his contributions on and off the field. The long-time outfielder competed in four different World Series and even had a stint on Dancing with the Stars. Unfortunately, despite his many accomplishments, Johnny has also been diagnosed with low muscle tone.
5) Mariah Carey (Singer)
Before she was a pop star sensation, Mariah Carey competed in several athletic events like volleyball and track during high school. And while these days, her main form of exercise seems to be singing, Mariah has been diagnosed with low muscle tone.
6) Serena Williams (Tennis, Olympics/Grand Slams)
Serena Williams, the most successful female tennis player in history, has been on top of her sport for years. In addition to being a Grand Slam champion and 3-time gold medalist, Serena has also been diagnosed with low muscle tone.
7) Venus Williams (Tennis, Olympics/Grand Slams)
As one-half of the most famous tennis sisters in history, Venus is often mentioned in the same breath as her sister Serena. Her many accomplishments include 5 Grand Slams titles and an Olympic gold medal. Although Venus may be just as talented off the court, she has been diagnosed with low muscle tone.
8) Shaquille O’Neal (Basketball, NBA)
Another two-time NBA champion, Shaquille O’Neal, was one of the most dominant centers in basketball history. Standing at 7 feet and weighing more than 300 lbs, Shaq had a unique combination of agility and strength that made him virtually unguardable. However, Shaq is even more impressive because he has been diagnosed with low muscle tone!
9) Marlon Brando (Actor)
While most would think of Marlon Brando as more of an actor than an athlete, the truth is he was pretty talented on the football field. In high school, Marlon played both center and linebacker, which earned him a college scholarship. And while he eventually ended up pursuing his dream in Hollywood, Marlon has still been diagnosed with low muscle tone!
10) Tom Hanks (Actor)
Another household name, Tom Hanks, is another example of an athlete who became a Hollywood star. Famous for films like Forrest Gump, Big, and Castaway, Tom has also been diagnosed with low muscle tone. And although his role in Forrest Gump involved playing a character with below-average intelligence, Tom has proven that he is anything but!