What Does Physical Fitness Really Mean?

Physical fitness is very important for our health and well being! That's what we're being told. That's great! But what in the world is it? Don't you think that if we're going to explore the possibility of doing something about it, then we need to know what we're talking about?

Here's A Definition . . .

The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Research says, "Health related fitness consists of those components that have a relationship with good health . . ." Sounds like a circular definition to me, but let's work with it anyway.

The Components Of Physical
Fitness Are . . .

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. (This keeps the pump pumping properly. Try saying that 10 times really fast!)

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 to hold a two-pound weight above your head for five minutes or the effort required to lift that weight 20 consecutive times. (You won't get as sore or tired picking those nasty weeds in the garden.)

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. (Maybe you won't need to have that high school kid haul your groceries to the car every time.)

Flexibility - the ability to move a joint through its full range of motion. This is how limber or supple you are. (Wouldn't it be nice to bend down and pick something up without struggling?)

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. (But if the ratio is good, you will look and feel better.)

Balance – the ability to maintain your body in its upright posture, especially when abnormal stress (such as tripping) might cause you to lose your balance.

Metabolic fitness – the ability of the body to efficiently burn fuel (food) for energy. (Maybe you can eat that doughnut without it immediately going to your waist.)

So What?

OK, we've got a definition. What are we going to do with it? Well, it might be a good idea to explore some of the ways that we can check to see how well we’re doing in each of these areas of physical fitness - measuring fitness levels. We may also want to look at how we can improve our physical fitness in the areas where we aren't doing too well.

Why Do I Want To Improve My Physical Fitness?

Hey, maybe someday you might want to become governor of California. Just kidding! How about: