Added: 01/13/2007 |
Get fit by Focusing on the five Physical Fitness ComponentsJogging three times a week, eating sensible meals, or practicing yoga do not necessarily equal physical fitness. Although all of these activities are important for weight management and exercise, practicing any one or all of them falls short of making a person physically fit. There are five physical fitness components that people can work on to achieve and maintain physical fitness.
Medical research shows that being overweight and a lack of overall fitness contribute to a number of medical conditions including diabetes, high cholesterol, stroke, heart attack, certain types of cancers, gall bladder disease, gout, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, etc. Given these alarming statistics attaining and maintaining physical fitness is essential to the long-term health and vitality of Americans.
Many people recognize the need to lose weight. In fact, one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight. As part of their weight loss plan, dieters may also include some kind of physical exercise, whether it is running, walking, swimming, tennis, etc. However, losing weight does not necessarily equal physical fitness. Although being in the appropriate weight range is essential to long-term health, overall physical fitness health requires more than just weight management.
Physical fitness involves a set of attributes that enable people to perform physical activity. It is a set of attributes, not one particular attribute such as lifting heavy weights, running long distances, playing baseball, or engaging in gymnastics. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are five physical fitness components that can help people achieve overall health and fitness. Listed below is a brief summary of these physical fitness components.
1.Cardio respiratory endurance is achieved when the body’s circulatory and respiratory systems can supply an appropriate amount of fuel during sustained physical activity. Activities such as walking, swimming, or bicycling that keep the heart rate elevated at a safe level for a continual period of time will improve cardio respiratory endurance. Starting slowly with an activity that is enjoyable and gradually building stamina is the best and safest way to build endurance.
2.Muscular strength makes it possible for muscles to exert force during an activity such as weightlifting. Muscles can become stronger by performing weight resistance exercises such as lifting weights or walking up and down stairs rapidly.
3.Walking, jogging, dancing, or bicycling can achieve muscular endurance, the ability of muscles to perform for sustained periods of time without fatigue.
4.Body composition refers to the components that make up the body’s weight including lean tissue (muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and organs) and fat tissue (essential, storage, and non-essential fats). Physical fitness helps maintain a lean body as opposed to a fat body.
5.Flexibility refers to the joint’s range of motion. The ability to bend, stoop, and touch the toes are indicators of flexibility. Joint flexibility helps to prevent injuries and can be improved through activities that strengthen the body including swimming, yoga, Pilates, and basic stretching.
Physical fitness is an important element for health and happiness; therefore developing a fitness regimen that encompasses the five physical fitness components helps people keep their New Year’s resolutions and shed unneeded pounds. However, weight reduction is not the only reason to incorporate these physical fitness components into one’s lifestyle. Stamina, strength, flexibility, endurance, and agility help people achieve many physical and mental feats.
Article comments:
No comments for this article yet. Post your comment now!
