What is fitness and who is fit - explained through 10 general physical skills

Physical fitness is a state of health and well-being; it is the ability to perform well in sports, occupations and daily activities. Fitness is generally achieved through proper nutrition, physical exercise, and sufficient rest.

There are 10 general physical skills and a person can only be considered fit if he or she has a high level of competence in all of them:

1. Cardiovascular/respiratory endurance - the ability of body systems to gather, process, and deliver oxygen.
2. Stamina - the ability of body systems to process, deliver, store, and utilize energy.
3. Strength - the ability of a muscular unit, or combination of muscular units, to apply force.
4. Flexibility - the ability to maximize the range of motion at a given joint.
5. Power - the ability of a muscular unit, or combination of muscular units, to apply maximum force in minimum time.
6. Speed - the ability to minimize the time cycle of a repeated movement.
7. Coordination - the ability to combine several distinct movement patterns into a singular distinct movement.
8. Agility - the ability to minimize transition time from one movement pattern to another.
9. Balance - the ability to control the placement of the bodies center of gravity in relation to its support base.
10. Accuracy - the ability to control movement in a given direction or at a given intensity

Thus, no matter how fast and long can you run, you're not fit if you can't lift a decent weight; no matter how much weight you can lift, you're not fit if you can't jump rope or touch your feet with your hands while your legs are straight.

How fit are you? 😊

Image sources: 1, 2.