Fitness

Fitness refers to the condition of being physically fit and healthy, particularly as the result of exercise and proper nutrition. It is a state of health and well-being and, more specifically, the ability to perform aspects of sports, occupations and daily activities. Physical fitness is generally achieved through proper nutrition, moderate-vigorous physical exercise, and sufficient rest.

Definition

Fitness is defined as the quality or state of being fit and healthy. The definition of fitness varies depending on the context. In the context of physical health, 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 Fitness

Fitness is made up of many components, including:

• Cardiorespiratory endurance - the efficiency with which the body delivers oxygen and nutrients needed for muscular activity and transports waste products from the cells.
• Muscular strength - the greatest amount of force a muscle or muscle group can exert in a single effort.
• Muscular endurance - the ability of a muscle or muscle group to perform repeated movements with a sub-maximal force for extended periods of times.
• Flexibility - the ability to move the joints or any group of joints through an entire, normal range of motion.
• Body composition - the percentage of body fat a person has in comparison to his or her total body mass.

Importance of Fitness

Fitness is essential for various reasons including:

• Promoting health and well-being
• Increasing life expectancy
• Reducing the risk of disease
• Enhancing mental health
• Preventing aging
• Increasing bone density
• Boosting the immune system
• Improving physical appearance.

See Also

• Exercise
• Nutrition
• Physical health
• Well-being
• Health

Fitness Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia