| Fitness can be defined in many ways with regard to how it is viewed and can be categorized as physical fitness and mental fitness.
According to the Microsoft Encarta Reference Library 2004, physical fitness if defined as ‘the ability of the human body to function with vigor and alertness, without undue fatigue, and with ample energy to engage in leisure activities, and to meet physical stress.’
In short, fitness means having sufficient energy at all times to do required day to day activities without feeling tired or weary.
Physical fitness has six elements to be looked at;
- Aerobic capacity
- Body structure
- Body composition
- Body balance
- Muscular flexibility
- Muscular strength
Fitness is a mixture of qualities which enable us to be at our fullest potential at all times. Physically, this means the strength and endurance levels like cardio respiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance & flexibility.
Some people misunderstand fitness to be thin & slim, but in reality being thin and having muscles may not mean you are fit. Doing physical activity improves your fitness, no matter what size or shape you are.
Being fit will in turn boost our mental and emotional development.
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