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Physical Fitness Explained
Physical fitness can be defined as the ability of our body to function efficiently, to resist against diseases and to stay healthy. In certain contexts, physical fitness may be referred as the ability to perform specific tasks. For instance: fitness related to Sportsmen or Military men. Regular Exercises and healthy diet are the key to physical fitness. Physical fitness combined with Mental fitness can help an Individual to stay healthy and happy. Physical fitness is required for almost all the age groups to keep their body strong and free from diseases.
What are the benefits?
Physical fitness can offer plethora of benefits to an Individual. It helps to strengthen our muscles, build stronger bones and boosts the energy level of our body. Physical exercises can help to reduce the excess fat in our body, improve the overall blood circulation in our body and aid in proper functioning of our body organs. These factors keep us away from falling prey to cardiac related problems, diabetes or hypertension.
Components of Physical Fitness
Physical fitness can be divided into five components as listed below.
- Physical flexibility
- Body composition
- Muscular Endurance
- Cardio-Respiratory Endurance
- Muscular Strength
Physical flexibility
Flexibility refers to the ability of stretching our joints to the maximum extent possible. The most common test to check the physical flexibility of a person would be the "Sit and Rich" Test.
Body composition
Body composition is the proportion of fat deposits in our body to the bones, muscles and water (body lean mass) in our body. Knowing the body composition is essential for setting the fitness goals and for weight loss programs.
Muscular Endurance
Muscular Endurance is one of the critical elements of Physical fitness. It refers to the ability of our muscles to perform contractions (without fatigue) over a specific period of time. Muscular endurance is crucial for Sportsmen like Tennis players, Baseball players and Sprinters.
Cardio-Respiratory Endurance
Cardio Respiratory endurance can be defined as the ability of our lungs and heart to supply oxygen to our body (muscles) during physical exercise or exertion. It is also called as "Aerobic Fitness".
Muscular Strength
Muscular Strength can be defined as the ability of a person to lift maximum weight using his muscles, on a single attempt. Developing muscular strength can help to resist against injuries, to improve the metabolic activities and optimizing the body composition. It is very essential for body builders to boost up their biceps.