Physical Fitness Essays

Physical Fitness Essays Physical Fitness Essay Physical Fitness Essay Physical fitness is a general concept defined in many ways by differing scientists. Here two major categories are considered: 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 generally achieved through correct nutrition, exercise, hygiene and rest. Components of Health Related Fitness; Cardiovascular Endurance: is the ability of the heart and lungs to work together to provide the needed oxygen and fuel to the body during sustained workloads. Examples would be jogging, cycling and swimming. The Cooper Run is used most often to test cardiovascular endurance. Muscular Strength: is the amount of force a muscle can produce. Examples would be the bench press, leg press or bicep curl. The push up test is most often used to test muscular strength. Muscular Endurance: is the ability of the muscles to perform continuous without fatiguing. Examples would be cycling, step machines and elliptical machines. The sit up test is most often used to test muscular endurance. Flexibility: is the ability of each joint to move through the available range of motion for a specific joint. Examples would be stretching individual muscles or the ability to perform certain functional movements such as the lunge. The sit and reach test is most often used to test flexibility. Body Composition: is the amount of fat mass compared to lean muscle mass, bone and organs. This can be measured using underwater weighing, Skin fold readings, and bioelectrical impedance. Underwater weighing is considered the â€Å"gold standard† for body fat measurement, however because of the size and expense of the equipment needed very few places are set up to do this kind of measurement. Components of Skill Related Fitness; Agility: The ability to rapidly and accurately change the direction of the whole body in space. Balance: The ability to maintain equilibrium while stationary or moving. Coordination: The ability to use the senses and body parts in order to perform motor tasks smoothly and accurately. Power: The amount of force a muscle can exert. Reaction Time: The ability to respond quickly to stimuli. Speed: The amount of time it takes the body to perform specific tasks. Rafaela Casandra R. Dantes. (Bachelor of Arts in Communication) Assignment in Physical Fitness 1) Show the difference of aerobics and anaerobics Aerobics is a form of physical exercise that combines rhythmic aerobic exercise with stretching and strength training routines with the goal of improving all elements of fitness (flexibility, muscular strength, and cardio-vascular fitness). It is usually performed to music and may be practiced in a group setting led by an instructor (fitness professional), although it can be done solo and without musical accompaniment. With the goal of preventing illness and promoting physical fitness, practitioners perform various routines comprising a number of different dance-like exercises. Formal aerobics classes are divided into different levels of intensity and complexity. Aerobics classes may allow participants to select their level of participation according to their fitness level. Many gyms offer a variety of aerobic classes.