The 5 Components Of Physical Fitness

The definition of physical fitness can vary, but most experts agree that there are 5 components of physical fitness. These components represent how fit and healthy the body is as a whole.

1. Cardiovascular Fitness - The cardiovascular system (also called the circulatory system) consists of the heart (cardio) and the blood vessels (vascular). It's the system that supplies oxygen and blood throughout the body. Cardiovascular fitness is the body's ability to supply oxygen and blood to the working muscles during exercise that lasts for an extended period of time. 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 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 (muscles, bones, organs etc.). Several methods can be used to Calculate Body Fat. The Body Mass Index (BMI) does not calculate body fat directly, but there is a fairly strong correlation between a person's BMI and their amount of body fat.

Now that you know what the 5 components of physical fitness are, you need to make sure that your fitness program addresses all of the components, not just one or two. There are plenty of weight lifters who have a lot of muscular strength but poor cardiovascular fitness and too much body fat. There are also plenty of runners who have excellent cardiovascular fitness and low body fat but not much muscular strength. A well-rounded fitness program that addresses all five components will result in increased functional fitness and better overall health.

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