Physical Fitness Advice
What is Physical Fitness?
Physical fitness means having the physical
capability to perform all our daily tasks vigorously and alertly, without
fatigue, while still retaining enough spare energy to cope with stress
and other emergency demands. A physically fit person is better able to
maintain energy and health than an unfit person.
The Foundation of Physical & Mental
Health
Physical fitness includes the performance
of the cardio-respiratory system (heart and lungs), and the skeletal/
muscular strength, stamina and flexibility of the body. Body composition
(muscle-to-fat ratio) is another component of fitness. Furthermore, since
physical health affects mental health (eg. through release of endorphins),
being physically fit helps us maintain mental alertness, emotional stability
and mood.
What Determines Physical Fitness?
Physical fitness is partly determined by
age, gender, heredity and genetic health. These fitness factors are beyond
our control. But our physical condition is also strongly influenced by
our exercise and eating habits, as well as our mental attitude. These
things are definitely within our control. For example, if we value the
benefits of being fit and healthy, we might invest in exercise equipment
or join a gym. Or we might do workout-exercises at home. On the other
hand, if we regard exercise as a low priority, chances are we will stay
inactive and unfit. Bottom line: whether we improve our fitness levels
and boost our physical health is largely a matter of choice, rather than
genetics.
Sources include:
- President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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