Components of Physical Fitness

Before going deep in what are components of physical fitness, let us first define physical fitness.

What is Physical Fitness?

Physical fitness being an important part of our life, it is like an indicator that shows whether you have the ability to perform and enjoy daily physical activity with ease. Physical activity is generally achieved through following

• Exercise and physical movement
• Proper nutrition
• Enough rest and sleep
• Stress management and relaxation

Physical fitness is generally defined as the state of general well being, physically sound and healthy enough along with mental stability.

Fitness was previously defined as the capacity of a person to meet physical demands of daily life carry out daily routine activities without having fatigue. However, due to an increase in leisure time and changes in our lifestyle have rendered this definition as insufficient. Now we measure physical fitness as body’s ability to function efficiently and effectively in work and leisure activities in order to stay active, to resist diseases, and to meet emergency situations.

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.”

John F. Kennedy

There is no solid physical fitness definition you can find, because the meaning of the term varies from expert to expert. However, fitness encompass the following key components. If you work steadily on health related components of physical fitness, it will make you fit within a short span of time.

Physical fitness can be classified into following categories:

1. Health related fitness components
2. Skill related components of physical fitness
3. Physiological components of fitness
4. Sports related components of fitness

What is Physical Fitness or what is Health Related Physical fitness? - It is best defined as “activity aimed to improve your health”.

Components of Physical Fitness

The goal of health related fitness is prevention from diseases as well as the development of a high level of functional capacity for daily tasks.

Health related physical fitness is further divided into 5 parts i.e. components of physical fitness are:

Balanced BODY COMPOSITION

In other words it is the ratio of fat to muscle. Minimum amount of fat and maximum amount of lean mass is a sign of a healthy and fit body.

CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS

Cardiovascular endurance can be defined as component which determines if the heart and lungs are working in coordination. It is the ability of the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and to remove wastes.

Common cardiovascular exercises are: Walking/jogging, running, biking, rowing, treadmills

FLEXIBILITY

Flexibility can be defined as the component that checks the ability of the joints in the body to move to their full range of motion.

Common flexibility exercises are - stretching, yoga, Tai Chi

MUSCULAR ENDURANCE

Muscular endurance is defined as the ability of the body to perform exercises repeatedly without getting tired. If a person can perform number of repetitions of a particular strength exercises, then it can be said that he/she has good muscular endurance.

Common Strength training exercises are running, jogging, cross training on an elliptical machine etc.

MUSCLE STRENGTH

Muscle strength can be defined as the capability of the muscles to lift weight. By doing weight training exercises every alternate day increases the muscle mass of the body.

Common weight training exercises are Push-ups, pull ups, biceps curls, pectoral fly, leg extensions, back extension, etc.

Skill related components of physical fitness:

1. Agility
2. Balance
3. Coordination
4. Power
5. Reaction Time
6. Speed

Physiological components of fitness:

1. Metabolic
2. Morphological
3. Bone integrity
4. Other

So what is physical fitness after all? Well, it is a combination of all these fitness components mentioned above.

Physical fitness and wellness is far more attainable than what it is commonly perceived. A perfect physical fitness and wellness can be described as a condition that helps individuals look, feel and do their best.

Physical fitness is not just about a lean body frame; it is about having cardiovascular and muscular endurance, strong immunity system, and most important of all, a satisfied, happy and well balanced state of mind.