5 Components of Physical Fitness
The 5 components of physical fitness are often used in our school systems, health clubs and fitness centers to gauge how good a shape we are truly in. The 5 components that make up total fitness are:
Cardiovascular Endurance
Muscular Strength
Muscular endurance
Flexibility
Body Composition
Total fitness can be defined by how well the body performs in each one of the components of physical fitness as a whole. It is not enough to be able to bench press your body weight. You also need to determine how well you can handle running a mile etc.
A closer look at the individual components:
Cardiovascular endurance is the ability of the heart and lungs to work together to provide
...who are diabetic, as in hypoglycemia, may experience excessive sweat as a symptom. But what about about profuse body perspiration under normal physical activity? Do we lose important trace elements when this happens? Research on the concentrations of trace elements ...
Muscular strength is the amount of force a muscle can produce. Examples would be the bench press, leg press or bicep curl. The push up test is most often used to test muscular strength.
Muscular endurance is the ability of the muscles to perform continuous without fatiguing. Examples would be cycling, step machines and elliptical machines. The sit up test is most often used to test muscular endurance.
Flexibility is the ability of each joint to move through the available range of motion for a specific joint. Examples would be stretching
...type training; Kettlebells offer a sport specific alternative to the more traditional but mundane approaches to aerobic training, which they will find far more enjoyable, thus improving the adherence to their new holistic training programme that will be highly beneficial ...
Body composition is the amount of fat mass compared to lean muscle mass, bone and organs. This can be measured using underwater weighing, Skinfold readings, and bioelectrical impedance. Underwater weighing is considered the gold standard for body fat measurement, however because of the size and expense of the equipment needed very few places are set up to do this kind of measurement.
Why the need for physical fitness testing?
As stated earlier the 5 components of physical fitness represent how fit and healthy the body is as a whole. When you have
...through their full range of motion. 4. Body composition: Considered as one of the components of fitness, composition refers to the body in terms of lean mass (muscle, bone, vital tissue, and organs) and fat mass. Actually, the optimal ratio ...
If body composition is of (higher fat compared to muscle mass) there are many health related diseases and illnesses you have a higher chance of contracting. It is important to combine healthy eating habits with your exercise program.
If you scored low on the cardiovascular test you would have a higher chance of being at risk for heart related illnesses and would not do well with activities that require longer times to complete. You would participate in things such as long bike rides, swimming and jogging for
...also add strengthening exercises in your program. While most of these exercises are always under professional supervision, your therapist will also provide you with exercises that you can perform independently. Supervised cervical stenosis physical therapy may take three or more ...
The next three tests can have results that are isolated to specific joints and muscles of the body or affect the body as a whole.
If you score low on the flexibility tests, you have a greater chance of decreased performance in daily living activities/sports and a higher risk of injury. You may also experience low back pain. It would be important to included flexibility training into your workout everyday.
If you scored low on the muscular endurance test you fatigue early into the exercise or activities of daily living. Many exercises that require high reps and low weight would be implemented into your training program.
If you scored low on the
...TV, and sleeping. The goal is to make physical activity a customary part of your child s and your life. However you choose to encourage the physical activity habit, you can be assured that if it s introduced early in ...
Fitness testing has its limitations while it gives you a good idea of where your body is, it does not paint the entire picture. As stated earlier some of the above tests are only testing specific body parts. Other important factors such as balance and agility are not tested. It also requires the ability to perform the tests. It would be dangerous for someone who is in poor condition and does not
...and regular exercise these offer the best components of wellness program that help prevent stress related problems and can enhance the quality of your life. Good Health! L. John Mason, Ph.D. is the author of the best selling "Guide to ...
Before deciding to undergo fitness testing, make sure you know why they are being done and determine that it is safe for you to participate.
Karen Skidmore, author, NATA certified Athletic Trainer and NCSF certified Personal Trainer owns and operates the Completely Fit Personal Training Company.
Visit http://www.completely-fit.com for more information. For more great articles visit lifetime-fitness-routines.com