Health-related fitness incorporates the five major components of fitness
related to improved health:
- Cardio-respiratory
endurance is the ability of the blood
vessels, heart, and lungs to take in, transport, and utilize oxygen. This is a critically
important component of fitness because
it impacts other components of fitness and decreases the risk of cardiovascular
diseases.
- Muscular strength
is the maximum amount of force a muscle or
muscle group can exert.
- Muscular
endurance is the length of time a muscle
or muscle group can exert force prior to fatigue.
- Flexibility refers to
the range of motion in the joints.
- Body composition shows the amount
of fat versus lean mass (bone, muscle, connective tissue, and fluids). While some fat is
essential for insulation and providing
energy, too much fat can cause serious health problems.