COMPONENTS OF PHYSICAL FITNESS

Fitness is far more than simply exercising on a consistent basis. Fitness has a variety of components and there are many ways it can be measured. With a solid understanding of this topic, individuals can address those aspects of their life that directly impact fitness.

WHAT IS PHYSICAL FITNESS ?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), physical fitness is defined as 'the ability to carry out daily tasks with vigor and alertness, without undue fatigue, and with ample energy to enjoy leisure-time pursuits and respond to emergencies.' Based on this definition, fitness involves everything from getting out of bed to hiking to performing CPR.

In order to complete all of these tasks, one must consistently address their fitness levels. This requires proper conditioning through both structured exercise and leisurely activities.

Although it is not all clear cut, fitness is generally divided into specific fitness categories or components (listed below), and each can be tested and trained individually.

1. Muscular Strength

Mascular strength is the ability to carry out work against a resistance. This is the "power" that helps you to lift and carry heavy objects. Without muscular strength, your body would be weak and unable to keep up with the demands placed upon it. How easily can you lift heavy objects? Can you open jars or do you need someone to do it for you? How about moving furniture when you decide to clean under it or rearrange your living room? These activities are all made easier by maximizing your muscular strength. The good news is that you can gain muscle strength without growing big, bulging muscles. Adding muscle also has an added benefit - increased muscle mass causes a metabolic increase, as well.

2. Muscular Endurance

Muscular endurance is the ability to repeat a series of muscle contractions without fatiguing.Endurance is the ability of your muscles to perform contractions for extended periods of time.

3. Cardiovascular Endurance

Cardiovascular endurance is your body's ability to keep up with exercise like running, jogging, swimming, cycling, and anything that forces your cardiovascular system (lungs, heart, blood vessels) to work for extended periods of time. Together, the heart and lungs fuel your body with the oxygen needed by your muscles, ensuring that they have the oxygen needed for the work they are doing.

4. Flexibility

Flexibility is the the capacity of a joint to move through its full range of motion without any discomfort.

5. Body Fat Composition

Body fat composition refers to the amount of fat in your body. It refers primarily to the distribution of muscle and fat in the body. Body size such as height, lengths and girths are also grouped under this component.

• Men must have a body fat composition lower than 17 percent
• Women must have a body fat composition lower than 24 percent

The average man tends to have about 18 to 24 percent body fat, while the average woman has 25 to 31 percent body fat.