Meaning, Definitions and Components of Physical Fitness B.Ed Notes

Physical fitness implies abilities such as that of resisting fatigue, performing with an acceptable degree of motor ability and being able to adapt to muscular stress. Physical fitness can also be functional specific and emergency requirements

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Definitions f Physical Fitness

Physical fitness refers to the organic capacity of the individual to perform normal task of daily living without undue tiredness or fatigue having reserves of strength and energy available to meet satisfactory and emergency demands suddenly placed upon him”.- Nixon

Physically fitness is the quality of the whole body in terms of its state of adaptation of physical activity.

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Components of Physical Fitness

Physical fitness on be the most easily understood by examining these components, or elements or parts. There is widespread agreement that following four elements are basic.

1. Endurance: The ability to deliver oxygen and to tissues arid to remove wastes over sustained periods time. Long runs and swims are the methods employed in measuring this component.

2. Strength: The ability of a muscle to exert force for brief period of time. For example upper body strength can be measured by various weight lifting exercises.

3. Speed: The quickness of movement of limb whether this is the leg of a runner or the arm of the shot putter

4. Flexibility: The ability to move joints ad use muscle through their full range of motion. The sit and reach test is good measure of flexibility of the lower back and backs of this upper leg.

Body composition is also considered a component of fitness. It refers to the makeup of the body in terms of lean mass (Muscle, bone, vital tissue and organs) and fat mass. An optimation of fat to lean mass is an indication of fitness and the right of exercise will help one to decrease body fat and increase maintains muscle mass.

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Benefits of Physical Fitness

Exercise or fitness is not just for Olympic hopefuls or supermodels. In fact no one never too unfit too young or too old get started. Regardless of age, gender or role in life, one can benefit from regular physical activity. If there is a commitment exercise in combination with a sensible diet can help to provide in overall sense of well being and can even help to prevent chronic illness, disability and premature death. Some of the benefits of increased physical activity or physical fitness are: