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The 5 Components of Physical Fitness
There are 5 components of physical fitness, and these components represent how fit and
healthy the body is as a whole.
Some people think that being physically fit means being in good general health. Other
people think that it means being able to lift a certain amount of weight or being able to
run a particular distance in a certain time.
There's actually no single agreed upon definition of physical fitness.
One common definition is that physical fitness is a set of attributes that people have
or achieve relating to their ability to perform physical activity. Another common definition
is that physical fitness is a state of well-being with a low risk of premature health problems
and energy to participate in a variety of physical activities.
According to Wikipedia, physical fitness is considered a measure of the body's ability to
function efficiently and effectively in work and leisure activities, to be healthy, to resist
hypokinetic diseases, and to meet emergency situations.
Even though the definition of physical fitness can vary, there's near unanimous agreement
on the 5 components of physical fitness. Here's an overview of each of the components.
1. Cardiovascular Fitness
Cardiovascular fitness (also known as cardiorespiratory fitness) is the ability of the
heart, lungs and vascular system to deliver oxygen-rich blood to working muscles during
sustained physical activity. Aerobic exercise
improves cardiovascular fitness.
2. Muscular Strength
Muscular strength is the amount of force a muscle or muscle group can exert against a
heavy resistance. Anaerobic exercise improves muscular
strength.
3. Muscular Endurance
Muscular endurance is the ability of a muscle or muscle group to repeat a movement many
times or to hold a particular position for an extended period of time. Both aerobic exercise
and anaerobic exercise can improve muscular endurance.
4. Flexibility
Flexibility is the degree to which an individual muscle will lengthen.
Stretching improves flexibility.
5. Body Composition
Body composition is the amount of fat in the body compared to the amount of lean mass (muscle,
bones, organs etc.).
Now that you know what the 5 components of physical fitness are, you'll be better able to
develop an effective fitness program.
Visit the Health and Fitness Product Reviews
page for information on some of the best resources available for getting fit and healthy.
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