physical fitness

What Is Physical Fitness?

Definitions  and performance standards of physical fitness vary. However,  most experts agree that the five basic  components  of fitness are:

1. Cardiorespiratory or Aerobic Endurance

The ability to do moderately strenuous activity over a period  of time. It reflects how well your heart and lungs work together to supply  oxygen to your body during exertion and  exercise.  Also called aerobic fitness.

2. Muscular Endurance

The ability to hold a particular position for a sustained  period of  time  or  repeat a movement many times. This  could  be  the capability  required to hold a two-pound weight above  your  head for  five minutes or the effort required to lift that  weight  20 consecutive times.

3. Muscular Strength

The ability to exert maximum force, such as lifting the  heaviest weight  you can budge, one time. It is possible to have  muscular strength  in one area, say your arms, while lacking  strength  in another area such as your legs.

4. Flexibility

The ability to move a joint through its full range of motion; the elasticity of the muscle. This is how limber or supple you are.

5. Body Composition

The  proportion  of fat in your body compared to  your  bone  and muscle.  It  does  not refer to your weight in  pounds  or  your figure.