5 Components To Fitness

What does it mean to be physically fit? Physical fitness is defined as "a set of attributes that people have or achieve that relates to the ability to perform physical activity." In other words, it's more than being able to run a long distance or lift a lot of weight at the gym. Being fit is not defined only by what kind of activity you do, how long you do it, or at what level of intensity. While these are important measures of fitness, they only address single areas. Overall fitness is made up of five main components:

  • Cardiorespiratory endurance
  • Muscular strength
  • Muscular endurance
  • Body composition
  • Flexibility
  • In order to assess your level of fitness, look at all five components together.

    What is cardiorespiratory endurance? It's the ability of the body's circulatory and respiratory systems to supply fuel during sustained physical activity. To improve your cardiorespiratory endurance, try activities that keep your heart rate elevated at a safe level for a sustained length of time such as walking, swimming or bicycling. The activity you choose does not have to be strenuous to improve your cardiorespiratory endurance. Start slowly with an activity you enjoy, and gradually work up to a more intense pace.

    What is muscular strength? It's the ability of the muscle to exert force during an activity. The key to making your muscles stronger is working them against resistance, whether that be from weights or gravity. If you want to gain muscle strength, try exercises such as lifting weights or rapidly taking the stairs.

    What is muscular endurance? It's the ability of the muscle to continue to perform without fatigue. To improve your muscle endurance, try cardiorespiratory activities such as walking, jogging, bicycling or dancing.

    What is body composition? It refers to the relative amount of muscle, fat, bone and other vital parts of the body. A person's total body weight (what you see on the bathroom scale) may not change over time. But the bathroom scale does not assess how much of that body weight is fat and how much is lean mass (muscle, bone, tendons and ligaments). Body composition is important to consider for health and managing your weight!

    What is flexibility? It's is the range of motion around a joint. Good flexibility in the joints can help prevent injuries through all stages of life. If you want to improve your flexibility, try activities that lengthen the muscles such as swimming or a basic stretching program.

    The greatest benefit of a regular exercise program is an improvement in overall fitness. Appropriate exercise improves muscular strength and endurance, body composition, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory endurance.

  • References
    Eston Dunn, MS, BSE, BFA, AFAA, ACE, ACSM

    Cheers,

    Eve :-)

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