FIVE PRINCIPLE PHYSICAL COMPONENTS OF FITNESS

CARDIVASCULAR ENDURANCE

This is an important component of physical fitness. When your muscles need oxygen, your aerobic system must be able to efficiently deliver it to them. When your body has waste products that need to be expelled (carbon monoxide and metabolic waste), your heart lung complex must be up to the task. These two tasks form the functional basis of aerobic fitness.

STRENGTH

This is your ability to exert musculoskeletal force against an external object, such as a barbell, the ground, or an opponent, and it stems from four main sources: structural, physiological, psychoneural, and environmental factors. A lack of adequate muscular strength in conjunction with a decrease in bone density is a definite health concern of our general population and can lead to a decrease in out musculoskeletal functions. Strength developed through resistance training helps to develop our musculoskeletal system, which is what gives us the ability to physically move using our muscles and bones.

SOUND NUTRITION

This is the consumption of food that provides your body with all the nutrients necessary for a healthy body are: carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. A deficiency in any one of these nutrients can reduce your chances of success in reaching your fitness goals. Now, with the rapid advance in research we have food low/no carb diets are extremely beneficial for supporting fat loss and disease control. Considerable data indicates the safest and most effective way to accomplish weight control is to combine sensible eating habits with a program of sound exercise that includes both aerobic and weight training.

FLEXIBILITY

This is the ability, to flex, extend, or circumduct the joints through their full intended range of motion. The term flexibility actually refers to the mobility of your joints and how muscles, ligaments, tendons, or other soft tissues affect it.

How much flexibility do you need? Although the answer varies from individual to individual, it can safely be said that you need enough flexibility to meet the demands of your daily activities with ease, plus a little bit to spare for life’s emergencies (falling, slipping on steps or ice, ect.) It is important to remember that flexibility and strength training programs must occur concurrently. Significantly improving your joints range of motion without also improving the strength of your surrounding muscles, can and will invite injury.