In the real world, fitness translates to function, says Dr. Cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, body composition, and flexibility are components that can be used to measure fitness, also according to that paper. Speed This is how quickly you can move.Ī frequently cited peer-reviewed research paper from 1985 defined the difference between the terms “physical activity” (bodily movement resulting in energy expenditure), “exercise” (planned and structured physical activity), and “physical fitness.” The paper defined physical fitness as a set of attributes that people have or achieve that determines their ability to carry out daily tasks with vigor and alertness, without undue fatigue.Balance This is your ability to stay on your feet and steady to avoid falls.Flexibility This is the range of motion of your joints.Musculoskeletal Fitness This includes muscle strength, endurance, and power.It’s your body’s ability to uptake and utilize oxygen (which feeds all of your tissues), something that is directly related to your health and quality of life, says Abbie Smith-Ryan, PhD, professor and director of the Applied Physiology Laboratory at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Cardiorespiratory Fitness Your VO2 max is a commonly used measure of this.Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), there are five components of physical fitness: According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans set forth by the U.S.

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