LET US UNDERSTAND FITNESS.

What does fitness mean?

Is it being pain free and disease free leading a considerably healthy and active life?

It is all these and more.

Wikipedia says –

Physical fitness is a general state of health and well-being and, more specifically, the ability to perform aspects of sports or occupations. Physical fitness is generally achieved through correct nutrition, moderate-vigorous physical activity, exercise and rest. It is a set of attributes or characteristics seen in people and which relate to the ability to perform a given set of physical activities.

I would like to add that it has to do more about your mental strength and determination, which will reflect in your physical performance, rather than just your physical capacity to perform tasks.

Fitness is also about upping your performance levels and constantly improving yourself.

According to an article by Medical News Today, physical fitness involves 5 elements –

Cardiorespiratory endurance –

The ability of the heart and lungs to supply oxygen-rich blood to the working muscle tissues and the ability of the muscles to use oxygen to produce energy for movement. With enhanced ability to take in oxygen and deliver it to the working muscles, the muscles are able to continue activity longer without fatigue.

Muscular Strength –

The amount of force a muscle can produce with a single maximal effort. Building muscle strength helps with body alignment, makes everyday performance easier, relieves stress and improves metabolism.

Muscular Endurance –

The ability to move your body repeatedly without getting tired. It is determined by how well your slow twitch muscle fibers are developed.

Body Composition –

The percentage of fat, bone, water and muscle in a human body. The muscular tissue takes up lesser space than the fat tissue in our body and so our body composition determines both our weight and leanness.

Flexibility –

Flexibility is related to the muscle strength. The range of motion in a joint or group of joints or, the ability to move the joints effectively is flexibility. This is important in reducing risk of injury and soreness caused from an activity.

Fitness is important for our overall health and well-being. It helps in combating health conditions and diseases and more importantly improves mood and energy.