The Five Components Of Fitness: How Fit Are You?
Being fit means different things to different people. For some it may mean having a body fat percentage in the single digits, a well defined six pack, and being able to bench press their body weight.
To others being fit may simply mean being able to enjoy the daily activities of life without pain or discomfort.
Most experts would agree, however, that one’s state of physical wellness can be broken down into five components of fitness.
The Five Components Of Fitness
1. Cardiovascular Endurance
Cardiovascular endurance is a measurement of the efficiency of one’s circulatory and respiratory system in supplying oxygen to the working muscles to sustain physical activities, and is one of the main components of physical fitness. Performing routine cardiovascular exercises strengthens the heart and lungs, making breathing during daily activity much easier. Read more about cardiovascular exercises.
2. Muscular Strength
Muscular strength is the ability of the neuromuscular system to produce internal tension in order to overcome an external force. Maybe you don’t plan on competing in the next World’s Strongest Man competition, but having a sufficient level of muscular strength is important in everyday activities and is one of the main components of physical fitness.
3. Muscular Endurance
Muscular endurance is the ability of the body to produce low levels of force and maintain them for extended periods of time. This is another one of the 5 components of fitness. Work and recreation are made more efficient and enjoyable with better muscular endurance. A great fitness training program will build both strength and endurance.
4. Flexibility
Flexibility is the normal extensibility of all soft tissues that allow the full range of motion of a joint. As we get older, remaining flexible becomes more significant. Even something as simple as bending over to pick up a bag of groceries can be made easier with improved flexibility. Staying active and exercising regularly will keep you loose and limber. It’s easy to see why flexibility is one of the 5 components of physical fitness.
5. Body Composition
Body composition is your ratio of lean tissue to fat tissue and is quite possibly the most important of the 5 components of physical fitness. People with less body fat live longer, healthier lives and are less susceptible to disease and illness than those with higher fat stores. This also contributes greatly to your overall appearance, and looking your best means feeling your best. Need a little help with your nutrition? Check out these quick weight loss tips.
Improving any or all of the five components of fitness will help you live a longer, more productive life.