Physical fitness

Physical fitness is an attribute required for service in virtually all military forces.

Physical fitness comprises two related concepts: general fitness (a state of health and well-being) and specific fitness (a task-oriented definition based on the ability to perform specific aspects of sports or occupations). Physical fitness is generally achieved through exercise, correct nutrition and enough rest. It is an important part of life.

In previous years, fitness was commonly defined as the capacity to carry out the day’s activities without undue fatigue. However, as automation increased leisure time, changes in lifestyles following the industrial revolution rendered this definition insufficient. These days, physical fitness is considered a measure of the body’s ability to function efficiently and effectively in work and leisure activities, to be healthy, to resist hypokinetic diseases, and to meet emergency situations.

Components of physical fitness

The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports—a study group sponsored by the government of the United States—declines to offer a simple definition of physical fitness. Instead, it developed the following chart:^[1]

Accordingly, a general-purpose physical fitness program must address the following essentials:^[2]

• Cardiovascular endurance
• Flexibility training
• Strength training
• Muscular stamina
• Body composition
• General skill training

However, along with these essential components, a comprehensive fitness program that is tailored to an individual will probably focus on one or more specific skills,^[3] and on age-^[4] or health-related needs such as bone health.^[5] Many sources also cite mental and emotional health as an important part of overall fitness. This is often presented in textbooks as a triangle made up of three points, which represent physical, emotional, and mental fitness. Physical fitness can also prevent or treat many chronic health conditions brought on by unhealthy lifestyle or aging.^[6] Working out can also help people sleep better. To stay healthy it's important to participate in physical activity.^[7]

Specific fitness

Specific or task-oriented fitness is a person's ability to perform in a specific activity with a reasonable efficiency: for example, sports or military service. Specific training prepares athletes to perform well in their sports.

Examples are:

• 400m sprint: in a sprint the athlete must be trained to work anaerobically throughout the race.
• Marathon: in this case the athlete must be trained to work aerobically and their endurance must be built-up to a maximum.
• Many fire fighters and police officers undergo regular fitness testing to determine if they are capable of the physically demanding tasks required of the job.^[8]
• Members of the United States Army and Army National Guard must be able to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT).^[9]

See also

• Bodybuilding
• CrossFit
• CPR
• Exergaming
• Harvard Step Test
• Health club
• National Academy of Sports Medicine
• Neutral spine
• Obesity
• Personal Trainer
• Physical exercise
• Physical fitness test
• VO2 max

References

• Brandon, Leigh (2009). Anatomy of Strength and Fitness Training for Speed. McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-163363-5. 

External links

• HealthierUS.gov Official website
• President's Council on Physical Fitness