Components of Physical Health Cardiorespiratory Endurance Muscular Strength Muscular Endurance Flexibility Body Composition
Cardiorespiratory Endurance The ability of the heart, lungs, and circulatory system to deliver enough fuel and oxygen to the body’s cells. Considered the most important component of health related fitness because the functioning of the heart and lungs is so essential to overall good health Low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness are linked with heart disease Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States
Muscular Strength The amount of force a muscle can produce with a single maximum effort Strong muscles help keep the skeleton in proper alignment preventing back and leg pain providing the support for good posture Muscle tissue is an important element of overall body composition Greater muscle mass (lean body mass) means a higher rate of metabolism and faster energy use.
Muscular Endurance The ability to sustain a given level of muscle tension to hold a muscle contraction for a long period of time To contract a muscle over and over again Muscular endurance is important for good posture and for injury prevention
Flexibility The ability to move the joints through their full range of motion. Inactivity causes the joints to become stiffer wit age Stiffness often causes older people to assume unnatural body posture, and can lead to back pain
Body Composition The relative amounts of lean body tissue and fat in the body Lean body tissue Muscle Bone Water Health Body Composition High proportion of lean body tissue and an acceptably low level of body fat (adjusted for age and gender) Excessive Body Fat More likely to experience a variety of health problems Heart Disease High blood pressure Stroke Joint Problems Diabetes Gallbladder disease Cancer Back Pain
Best Practices for Healthy Living Best Way to Loose Fat Sensible Diet and Exercise Best Way to Add Lean Body Tissue Strength Training Exercises