The Five Elements of Physical Fitness

We all want to be fit, but what exactly is physical fitness? Does it mean you weigh a certain amount or your clothes fit a particular way? These conditions may be the result of becoming physically fit but do not define physical fitness itself.

Physical fitness consists of five essential elements:

1. How much muscular endurance do you have? Muscular endurance is based on how long you can hold a position or repeat a movement. Examples are holding a ten pound weight over your head for three minutes or lifting that same weight 30 consecutive times.
2. How much aerobic endurance do you have? Aerobic endurance is measured by how long you can continue to do a moderately strenuous activity. Aerobic endurance is important because it shows how well your heart and lungs work to deliver the necessary oxygen to your body.
3. How flexible are you? If you can move your joints in a full range of motion, you are flexible.
4. How much muscular strength do you have? The ability to exert force shows strength, such as lifting the heaviest weight possible.
5. What is your body composition? Body composition is the level of fat versus muscle and bone in your body and is different from your shape or weight.

By focusing on these five essential elements, you can achieve physical fitness to look and feel better than you may have thought possible - without constantly worrying about your weight or checking yourself out in a mirror.