Physical fitness refers to a condition of good health and well being and, more importantly, the capacity to carry out specific parts of daily activities, jobs and sports. Physical fitness is usually achieved through adequate rest, proper nutrition and regular physical activity. The combination of these components promotes health by helping us remain energetic, flexible and resistant to diseases and infections. When the system is healthy, we are less susceptible to diseases and infections. Thus, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle through fitness activities.
Aerobic fitness, on the other hand, is the capacity for movement that is needed in all kinds of activity. It involves both strength and endurance. Aerobic fitness can be defined as the capacity for doing an extended period of work using a minimum amount of energy, with maximal exertion. High aerobic capacity is typically associated with high levels of stamina. An excellent example of an aerobic exercise is running, which uses large muscle groups, but also increases endurance.
Flexibility, on the other hand, refers to the quality or process of being able to move easily, either voluntarily or involuntarily. People with poor flexibility are not necessarily considered to have poor physical fitness, but poor flexibility can make mobility more difficult in daily tasks. Common exercises that improve flexibility include stretching and strengthening.
Strength training is another type of physical exercise that improves muscular strength and endurance. Common exercises that involve strength training are pushups, situps, curls and deadlifts. The most common element of strength training is exercise tubing. Exercise tubing increases resistance through the use of pulleys or handles. In addition, it provides a low-impact, low-weight form of resistance training that is beneficial for people recovering from an injury.
Finally, interval training is an extreme form of exercise that improves endurance, speed, and the capacity to work. It is performed in shorter intervals than typical long periods of moderate intensity activity. For example, a runner completes a two-mile run in six minutes. If this individual were to complete the same two mile run but perform two sixty-minute bicycling sessions instead, her endurance would increase by four percent.
Learning how to get fit can be difficult. It takes determination, discipline, motivation, and the willingness to endure pain and discomfort to become healthy and fit. It can be difficult to stick to a fitness plan, as temptation will always be there to escape. Fortunately, many fitness experts recommend that individuals begin their own personal fitness program by using at least one form of physical activity regularly. As the individual becomes more familiar with the benefits of his or her chosen activity, he or she can then begin to increase the amount of time and intensity of the routine, eventually leading to a fit person.