Components of Fitness

The capacity of the body to be involved in the continuous physical activity for an extended period of time. This requires the efficient functioning of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels to supply oxygen and nutrients to the working muscles, and to remove carbon dioxide and waste materials produced during contraction.

The ability of a muscle or group of muscles to exert a force against a resistance in a single maximal contraction. The greater the strength of the muscle, the greater will be the force the muscle can exert. Often represented by the maximum weight a person can lift or the strongest grip a person can exert. Activities requiring strength are anaerobic in nature.

The ability of a muscle or group of muscles to exert a force repeatedly over an extended period of time or sustain a contraction for an extended period of time. It is the ability to apply strength and sustain it.

The capacity of a joint or joints to move through a full range of motion, or the ability to bend and stretch and twist without injury. Can be either static when the body is stationery or dynamic when the body is in motion.

The three basic structural components of the body are fat, muscle and bone. Determining this indicates the percentages of fat, muscle and bone that make up the total body weight.

The ability to maintain the body’s equilibrium while stationary (static) or in motion (dynamic).

The ability of the body’s senses (particularly sight and hearing), nervous system and muscles to perform specific movements smoothly and accurately. The more complex the task, the greater the amount of this is required to perform it effectively.

Refers to the time between receiving a signal to move and the start of the actual physical response.

The ability to perform a movement or cover a distance in a short period of time. Can refer to total body, as in running or swimming, or the rate of movement of body parts, such as leg or arm.

The ability to release maximum force very quickly. It is a combination of strength and speed to produce an explosive action in which all the muscles involved act together in a forceful contraction.