Physical fitness 432986 223606063 2008-07-04T21:14:28Z Deconstructhis 3905009 [[WP:UNDO|Undid]] revision 223605440 by [[Special:Contributions/86.148.39.98|86.148.39.98]] ([[User talk:86.148.39.98|talk]]) {{Unreferenced|date=April 2007}} [[Image:Soldier running in water original.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Physical fitness is an attribute required for service in virtually all [[military]] forces.]] '''Physical fitness''' is used in two close meanings: general fitness (a state of [[health]] and well-being) and specific fitness (a task-oriented definition based on the ability to perform specific aspects of sports or occupations). Physical fitness is the capacity of the heart, blood vessels, lungs, and muscles to function at optimum efficiency. In previous years, fitness was defined as the capacity to carry out the day’s activities without undue fatigue. Automation increased leisure time, and changes in lifestyles following the industrial revolution meant this criterion was no longer sufficient. Optimum efficiency is the key. Physical fitness is now defined as the body’s ability to function efficiently and effectively in work and leisure activities, to be healthy, to resist [[hypokinetic diseases]], and to meet emergency situations. Fitness can also be divided into five categories aerobic fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. ==General fitness== * [[Accuracy|Accuracy]] * [[Sport agility|Agility]] * [[Sense of balance|Balance]] * [[Body composition]] * [[Aerobic exercise|Cardiovascular endurance]] * [[Motor coordination|Coordination]] * [[Flexibility#physiology)|Flexibility]] and joint [[range of motion]] * [[Power (physics)|Power]] * [[Sprint (race)|Speed]] * [[Endurance|Stamina]] * [[Weight training|Strength]] Many sources also cite [[mental health|mental]] and [[emotional health]] as an important part of overall fitness. This is often presented in textbooks as a [[triangle]] made up of three sub-sections, which represent physical, emotional, and mental fitness. Hence, one may be physically fit but may still suffer from a [[mental illness]] or have emotional problems. The "ideal triangle" is balanced in all areas. Physical fitness can also prevent or treat many chronic health conditions brought on by unhealthy [[lifestyle]] or aging, among other implications. To stay healthy it's important to participate in physical activity. ==Specific fitness== Specific or task-oriented fitness is a person's ability to perform in a specific activity with a reasonable efficiency, for example, sports or [[military service]]. Specific training prepares athletes to perform well in their sports. Examples are: * 400m [[Sprint (race)|sprint]] - in a sprint the athlete must be trained to work anaerobically throughout the race. * [[Marathon]] - in this case the athlete must be trained to work aerobically and their endurance must be built-up to a maximum. Fire fighters and police officers must undergo regular [[Physical fitness test|Fitness testing]] to determine if they are capable of the physically demanding tasks required for the job before they are employed. ==See also== *[[Physical exercise]] *[[Physical fitness test]] *[[VO2 max]] *[[Exergaming]] *[[Neutral spine]] *[[Health club]] (fitness center) ==External links== *[http://www.healthierus.gov/exercise.html HealthierUS.gov Official website] *[http://www.fitness.gov/ President's Council on Physical Fitness] [[Category:Exercise]] [[Category:Prevention]] [[cs:Fitness]] [[de:Fitness]] [[es:Fitness]] [[fr:Fitness]] [[he:כושר גופני]] [[ja:フィットネス]] [[lt:Lengvasis kultūrizmas]] [[nl:Fitness]] [[pl:Fitness]] [[ru:Фитнес]] [[sk:Fitness]] [[tr:Fitness]] [[zh:肌力與體能訓練]]