Definition Of Physical Fitness

Just what is physical fitness?

Probably the simplest definition of physical fitness is being in good physical condition or in "shape". But this is perhaps too simple a definition.

Another definition of physical fitness is a set of attributes that a person possesses in terms of that person's ability to perform physical activities which require aerobic fitness, endurance, strength or flexibility.

This second view of physical fitness is interesting because it widens the definition into those characteristics which are related to a person's health and those that reflect that individual's level of skill or performance.

In other words, physical fitness is not simply a matter of the body's physical condition but also of a person's ability to use the body in the performance of a range of different physical activities.

This all sound very good, but just what is physical fitness in practical terms?

If you are trying to attain a certain level of physical fitness then you are doing so for a purpose. It may be because you want to play football, to go trekking in Nepal or hiking in Colorado or simply to be able to keep up with your kids.

Whatever the reason, your goal will require both fitness in terms of your health and fitness in terms of performing particular physical activities.

Fitness in terms of your health will involve such things as your lifestyle (drinking, smoking, diet etc.) and taking care of yourself with such things as regular check-ups by your doctor.

Fitness in terms of your ability to perform certain physical activities is largely a matter of regular exercise and training.

In both cases, but particularly in the latter, the level of physical fitness that you will be able to reach will depend to a fair degree on your genetic makeup and, whatever you may wish to achieve, mother nature will already have set something of a ceiling for you.

There are of course other definitions of physical fitness which break physical fitness down even further, but the definition of physical fitness given here is perhaps the most useful against which to plan your own physical fitness program.

Helping you to understand the language of physical fitness training:

Carbohydrates: An energy source in the body. At rest, the body derives energy almost equally from the breakdown of carbohydrates and fats; during exercise, the main energy source depends on the intensity of the exercise.

Cool down: Gradually reducing the intensity of exercise for several minutes at the end of a session to stabilize the cardiovascular system after a workout.

Physical activity: Any movement of the body produced by the muscles that results in increased energy expenditure.

Further information and advice about physical fitness:

Families must trim trend toward obesity - Conroe Courier

Families must trim trend toward obesity Conroe Courier, TX - 11 hours ago Of the more than 2.5 million students in grades 3-12 tested last spring, only 19.1 percent achieved healthy physical fitness ratings. ...

Report says Texas youths are out of shape - Conroe Courier

Report says Texas youths are out of shape Conroe Courier, TX - Jul 6, 2008 Preliminary results from the first year of state-mandated physical fitness assessments, created by Senate Bill 530, on nearly 2.6 million Texas school ...

Parents are best able to trim down their kids - Brazosport Facts (subscription)

Parents are best able to trim down their kids Brazosport Facts (subscription), TX - Jul 6, 2008 By Bill Shaw ‘Results of a new state physical fitness test confirmed that Texas children, especially teenagers, are seriously out of shape,” wrote Gary ...