Definition of physical fitness
‘Physical fitness refers to the organic capacity of the individual to perform the normal task of daily living without undue tiredness or fatigue having reserves of strength and energy available to meet satisfactorily any emergency demands suddenly placed upon him’ Nixon
‘Fitness is the state which characterizes the degree to which the person is able to function. Fitness is an individual matter. It implies the ability of each person to live most effectively with his potential. Ability to function depends upon physical, mental, emotional, and social components of fitness, all of which are related to each other and mutually interdependent.’ Kirchner
Components of physical fitness
Strength - The extent to which muscles can exert force by contracting against resistance (holding or restraining an object or person)
Power - The ability to exert maximum muscular contraction instantly in an explosive burst of movements (jumping or sprint starting)
Speed - The quickness of movement of limb. Whether this is the leg of runner or the arm of shot putter.
Agility - The ability to perform a series of explosive power movements in rapid succession in opposing direction (zigzag running or cutting movements)
Balance -The ability to control the body’s position. Either stationary (e.g. a handstand) or while moving
Flexibility – The ability to achieve an extended range of motion without being impeded by excess tissue i.e. fat or muscle (executing a leg split)
Local muscle endurance – A single muscle’s ability to perform sustained work (rowing or cycling)
Cardiovascular endurance – The hearts ability to deliver blood to working muscles and their ability to use it (running long distance)
Strength endurance – A muscle’s ability to perform a maximum contracture time after time (continuous explosive rebounding through an entire basket ball game)
Co-ordination – The ability to integrate the above listed components so that effective movements are achieved.
‘Physical fitness refers to the organic capacity of the individual to perform the normal task of daily living without undue tiredness or fatigue having reserves of strength and energy available to meet satisfactorily any emergency demands suddenly placed upon him’ Nixon
‘Fitness is the state which characterizes the degree to which the person is able to function. Fitness is an individual matter. It implies the ability of each person to live most effectively with his potential. Ability to function depends upon physical, mental, emotional, and social components of fitness, all of which are related to each other and mutually interdependent.’ Kirchner
Components of physical fitness
Strength - The extent to which muscles can exert force by contracting against resistance (holding or restraining an object or person)
Power - The ability to exert maximum muscular contraction instantly in an explosive burst of movements (jumping or sprint starting)
Speed - The quickness of movement of limb. Whether this is the leg of runner or the arm of shot putter.
Agility - The ability to perform a series of explosive power movements in rapid succession in opposing direction (zigzag running or cutting movements)
Balance -The ability to control the body’s position. Either stationary (e.g. a handstand) or while moving
Flexibility – The ability to achieve an extended range of motion without being impeded by excess tissue i.e. fat or muscle (executing a leg split)
Local muscle endurance – A single muscle’s ability to perform sustained work (rowing or cycling)
Cardiovascular endurance – The hearts ability to deliver blood to working muscles and their ability to use it (running long distance)
Strength endurance – A muscle’s ability to perform a maximum contracture time after time (continuous explosive rebounding through an entire basket ball game)
Co-ordination – The ability to integrate the above listed components so that effective movements are achieved.