Some recent studies have suggested that it is possible for people to be both fat and fit. The research equated the definition of fit with being healthy. In other words, it found that people could be obese but still have healthy cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels. I personally think there’s more to being fit than just health measures. Here are the 5 components of fitness.
1. Cardiovascular Endurance
Cardio helps improve the function of your lungs, heart, and vascular system. Technically, cardio is any activity which lasts longer than 90 seconds. This could be anything from a simple aerobics routine to a more advanced HIIT workout routine.
2. Muscular Strength
Muscular strength is defined as the greatest amount of force a muscle can exert in a single effort. A proper strength training routine helps to build muscular strength. This is an anaerobic activity.
3. Muscular Endurance
Muscular endurance is measured by a muscle’s ability to perform a repeated action of an anaerobic activity. Generally this is done for less than 90 seconds before it is considered cardiovascular endurance.
4. Flexibility
Flexibility is all about being able to move your joints in the proper range of motion. A good flexibility routine can help prevent injuries allowing you to have a more effective strength training routine.
5. Body Composition
Simply put, body composition looks at how much fat you carry vs. muscle, bone, water, etc. Most studies on obesity focus on this area and look at whether a high BMI or body fat percentage leads to various health problems.
Separate but Equal
The interesting thing about the 5 components of fitness is that each is important on its own but each affects the others as well. For example, your body composition can affect your cardiovascular endurance or muscular strength. Because of this, it’s important to focus on improving all components of fitness.
Don’t Settle For Fat and Fit
While it may be possible to be both fat and fit, additional exercise can only serve to improve your overall fitness level. By combining the 5 components of fitness, I think you’ll be headed for a healthier life.
