Monday, January 7, 2013

Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Part 2


The components of physical fitness is the extent or levels of each acquired attribute that determines the physical condition of a person.  The five components are:

  • Body composition - the relative percentage of muscle, fat, bone and other tissues that comprise the body.  A fit person has a relatively low percentage of body fat.  Body composition is measured by a height-and-weight formula, called body mass index (BMI), which is based on the metric system.
  • Cardiorespiratory fitnessthe ability of the heart, blood and respiratory system to supply oxygen to the muscles to sustain exercise.  The benefits of cardiovascular exercise are: 1) decreased resting heart rate; 2) decreased recovery time from exercise; 3) increased blood volume and red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body; 4) stronger heart muscle allowing it to eject more blood with each heartbeat; 5) increased number of capillaries for efficient exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide and nutrients between blood and body cells; 6) decreased rate of respiration; 7) increased aerobic capacity which allows the body cells to utilize oxygen for better work efficiency; 8) prevents and/or reduces the risk of developing coronary heart diseases.
  • Flexibilitythe range of motion available in a joint.  It is affected by muscle length, joint structure, and other factors.  A fit person can move the body joints through a full range of motion in work and play.
  • Muscular endurance the ability of the muscles to exert themselves repeatedly without undue fatigue.  Performing push-ups, sit-ups, or half-squats are examples of muscular endurance.
  • Strengththe ability of the muscles to exert an external force or to lift a heavy weight.  A fit person can do work or play that involves exerting force or controlling his body weight.  There are three discrete components of strength: 1) explosive strength, requiring movement, speed, and sudden changes in direction such as running through an obstacle course or throwing an object for distance; 2) static or isometric strength, requiring little muscle shortening and is necessary in overcoming a heavy resistance; 3) dynamic strength, which is the component found in repeated muscle contraction.

(Skill-Related Physical Fitness (Motor Fitness Components). The six skill-related components of physical fitness are more associated with performance than good health, which will be discussed on Monday, January 14, 2013.)


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