What is Physical Fitness?

Physical fitness refers to a set of attributes which enable an individual to be physically

active. Being physically fit enables you to more easily, meet the physical demands of
everyday living and respond positively to increased physical demands under stressful
conditions.

WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF PHYSICAL FITNESS?

Health-related physical fitness is measured by two aspects: the ability to cope with
daily activities as well as the persistency in good functioning of the body.

THE FIVE HEALTH-RELATED FITNESS COMPONENTS:

Cardiovascular endurance is the ability of the heart and lungs to work together to
provide the needed oxygen and fuel to the body during sustained workloads. Examples
would be jogging, cycling and swimming. The Cooper Run is used most often to test
cardiovascular endurance.

Muscular strength is the amount of force a muscle can produce. Examples would be
the bench press, leg press or bicep curl. The push up test is most often used to test
muscular strength.

Muscular endurance is the ability of the muscles to perform continuous without

fatiguing. Examples would be cycling, step machines and elliptical machines. The sit up
test is most often used to test muscular endurance.

Flexibility is the ability of each joint to move through the available range of motion for a
specific joint. Examples would be stretching individual muscles or the ability to perform
certain functional movements such as the lunge. The sit and reach test is most often
used to test flexibility.

Body composition is the amount of fat mass compared to lean muscle mass, bone
and organs. This can be measured using underwater weighing, Skinfold readings, and
bioelectrical impedance. Underwater weighing is considered the “gold standard” for
body fat measurement, however because of the size and expense of the equipment
needed very few places are set up to do this kind of measurement.
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Skill-related fitness includes training to improve speed, agility, balance, coordination,
power, and reaction time. These are usually used to help athletes improve performance
for their particular sport or activity.

THE SIX SKILL-RELATED FITNESS COMPONENTS:

Agility is the ability to change the position of your body and to control the movement of
your whole body. Agility is an important quality in many sports, because you must
change direction rapidly and always have your body under control.

Balance is the ability to keep an upright posture while either standing still or moving.
Good balance in essential in many activities like skating, surfing, skiing, and
gymnastics.

Power is the ability to perform with strength at a rapid pace. Strength and speed are
both involved in power. Football players, swimmers, shot-putters, discus throwers, and
high jumpers are examples of athletes who typically have a high degree of power.

Reaction time is the amount of time it takes to start a movement once your senses
signal the need to move. People with good reaction time can usually start quickly in
track and swimming or react quickly in ping pong or karate.

Coordination is the integration of eye, hand, and foot movements. This component is
necessary for success in such sports as baseball, softball, tennis, golf, and basketball.

Speed is the ability to cover a distance in a short amount of time. Speed is a very
important factor in many sports and activities. Short runs are used to evaluate speed.

Sources:

© Copyright 2019 Saint Paul Public Schools

https://www.spps.org/Page/18206

“Qualities that are needed to maintain and promote a Healthy Body!” Loriann Minka
https://www.smore.com/5p7c8-health-skill-related

“What is physical fitness?” Dr. Chang Kit, 2018

http://www.ejinsight.com/20180608-what-is-physical-fitness/