Dr. Vishali Joshi

What is Fitness?

Your overall level of fitness s primarily a reflection of the efficiency of your heart, lungs, and muscles. That  efficiency in turn is dependent on how regularly you take part in some form of sustained, vigorous physical exercise. In order to be physically fit, you do not need to be able to run marathons you should simply do some type moderate exercise at least three or four times a week.

Components of Fitness

Physical fitness is made up of three distinct elements: strength, flexibility, and endurance. Each type of sport or physical activity can be these three elements required to perform it. All three fitness components are needed to some extent in every sport. However, in gymnastics, for instance, a high level of flexibility is more important than endurance, as each gym exercise routine only lasts a minute or so, while in long distance running, endurance is by far the most important factor.

Strength

At least one quarter, or even as much as one half, of your body weight is made up of muscle tissue. This muscle tissue provides you with your strength, which is simply the ability to exert enough muscular force to push, pull, lift, or carry a heavy load. Your body contains around 400 muscles, which are attached to your skeleton by tendons. All your body’s movements are controlled by contracting or relaxing specific groups muscles.

Flexibility

Flexibility is your ability to bend, stretch, or twist through a full range of movements. A good level flexibility is dependent on your joints, muscles, and tendons being able to move easily. It is important in all sports and physical activities, but particularly those where you need to be agile, such as skiing, gymnastics, and judo. Women in their late teens are generally the most flexible group of people. Being flexible decreases your risk of suffering a sprain or strain, because supple, elastic tissues are better able to absorb the shock of sudden or rapid movements. People with tight back and leg muscles are more likely to suffer from back pain and stiffness after exertion.

Endurance

Endurance is the ability to exercise at a steady rate, without a rest, for a long period of time. It is dependent on the efficiency and performance of your heart, lungs, and muscles. Low endurance may result in muscle fatigue and poor coordination. To improve your overall endurance you need to exercise vigorously for a period of at least 20 minutes, three times a week.

There is no perfect exercise, but any energetic activity will improve your level of fitness. To succeed in your quest for health you must find a sport that you enjoy, otherwise you are unlikely to exercise enough. Ideally this activity should enhance your strength, your flexibility, and your endurance.