5 Components of Physical Fitness

The 5 components of physical fitness are often used in our school systems, health clubs and fitness centers to gauge how in shape we are truly in. The 5 components that make up total fitness are:

• Cardiovascular Endurance
• Muscular Strength
• Muscular Endurance
• Flexibility
• Body Composition

Total fitness can be defined by how well the body performs in each one of the components of physical fitness as a whole. It is not enough to be able to bench press your body weight. You also need to determine how well you can handle running a mile etc.

A closer look at the individual components:

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.

            - FMS uses the Mile Run and the Pacer Tests to assess this component.

Muscular Strength is the amount of force a muscle can produce. Examples would be the bench press, leg press or bicep curl.

            - FMS uses the Push-up Test to assess this component.

Muscular Endurance is the ability of the muscles to perform continuously without fatiguing. Examples would be cycling, rowing machines, step machines, and elliptical machines.

            - FMS uses the Sit-up Test to assess this component.

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.

            - FMS uses the Sit-and-Reach Test and the Shoulder Stretch (During the Fitnessgram) to assess this component.

Body Composition is the amount of fat mass compared to lean muscle mass, bone and organs. This can be measured using underwater weighing, Skinfold readings, and bioelectrical impedance.

            - FMS uses Height and Weight (During the Fitnessgram) to assess this component.