Physical Fitness

Physical Fitness

The general definition of physical fitness is “a set of attributes that people have or achieve relating to their ability to perform physical activity” (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [USDHHS],1996).

The two types of physical fitness most identified are health related physical fitness and skill related physical fitness. Health related physical fitness relates to functional health. It is believed that all students can improve their health status through daily physical activity. It is one of the few areas where all students can succeed regardless of ability levels and genetic limitations.On the other hand, skill related physical fitness refers to physical performance related to athletic ability.It is performance oriented and influenced by genetic traits and abilities.

Health related Physical Fitness–The four components of health-related fitness are cardiovascular endurance, body composition, flexibility, and muscular strength and endurance.

•Cardiovascular endurance

is the ability of the heart, blood vessels, and respiratory system to

work efficiently delivering oxygen to the muscles for an extended period of time. Walking,

jogging, biking, rope jumping, aerobics, and swimming are examples.

•Body Composition

is the proportion of body fat to lean body mass. Typically, activities that help

to develop cardiovascular endurance also help to improve body composition.

•Flexibility

is  the range of motion through which a joint or sequence of joints can move.The

length of muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be increased through stretching.

•Muscular strength and endurance
Muscular strength is the ability of muscles to exert force(contract). Muscular endurance is the ability to exert force over an extended period (contract repeatedly). Endurance postpones the onset of fatigue so that activity can be performed for lengthy periods. Throwing, kicking, and striking skills and weight bearing activities are examples of activities that help to develop this component.

Skill related Physical Fitness–The components of skill-related fitness are agility, balance, coordination,power, and speed.

•Agility

is the ability of the body to change directions quickly. Wrestling, basketball, and football

are examples of activities requiring agility.

•Balance

is the body’s ability to maintain a state of equilibrium while remaining stationary or moving. Maintaining balance is important in all sports, but especially gymnastics. It is also important in many daily activities.

•Coordination

is the body’s ability to perform two or more motor tasks at a time.Sports requiring hand-eye or foot-eye coordination, such as football, tennis, baseball, and soccer, are examples. Activities using small equipment are also examples.
•Power

is the ability to transfer energy explosively into force.

It is a combination of strength and

speed. Skills requiring power include high jumping, long jumping, shot putting, throwing, and

kicking.

•Speed

is the ability of the body to perform movement in a short period of time or fast.It is essential for the performance of most sports. Obviously, sprinting is an example.