What Does It Mean To Be Physically Fit?

Physical fitness is viewed differently by people. In its broadest sense, physical fitness is the ability to meet everyday routines and still have sufficient energy for unplanned activities. In order to be physically fit, a person needs to pay attention to five aspects of his/her health. These include the following: cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition

Cardiorespiratory endurance means the body is able to provide sufficient supply of oxygen over a period of time. The body’s transport system which consists of the lungs, heart and blood vessels are the organs responsible in distributing the oxygen throughout the body. The more efficient the body’s transport system is, the greater the cardiorespiratory endurance.

Muscular strength pertains to the extent to which a muscle can exert for a particular task. On the other hand, muscular endurance means the ability of a muscle to endure repeated contractions. During repetitive physical trainings, cardiorespiratory endurance is not enough to withstand the training. Muscular strength and endurance are also necessary to carry out a repetitive task.

Flexibility means the ability to move the limbs effectively and with grace. Flexibility is particularly helpful in making physical exercises efficient, enjoyable and safe. This component of physical fitness is often given the least attention, though the effect of neglecting its value can result to discomfort, pain and accident..

The relationship between fatty and non-fatty materials found in the body is known as body composition. A person needs to acquire a balance between these two body components to be physically fit.

Acquiring a proportionate weight and height however may not be enough to be physically fit.

An example of this is a person whose weight is considered just right according to a height chart but could be overweight because of excessive fatty tissue and insufficient lean body mass. In contrast, a person who exceeds the normal weight based on what the height chart indicates can be considered healthy. This is true for people with muscular built and good deal of lean body mass.

The five components of physical fitness are cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition. Taking these components into consideration is necessary when doing constant weight lifting. (6700)