Keep that Body Healthy: A Guide to Physical Fitness

Everyone one wants to be physically fit. A hot body and sound emotional, physical and mental health are just some of the many goals we aim for in this life. But in a world of junk food, automated everything, and ultra-hectic schedules, it's really hard to keep fit and healthy. You would rather hit the mall to watch a movie for relaxation, or go out and dine with friends after which you drink and party the night away.

Before you lose hope on dieting and vigorous exercise, you need to know about being physically fit. So what exactly does physical fitness entail?

Physical fitness refers to either general fitness, which is a state of overall health and well-being; or, specific

fitness, which refers to the ability to perform specific tasks, sports, occupations. Physical fitness is achieved through regular exercise, proper diet and nutrition, and proper treatment and rest for the body at times when injury or over-exertion occur.

Physical fitness has the following components.

* Agility - The ability of the body to change direction efficiently.

* Balance - The ability to move without tripping or falling.

* Body composition -The percentage ratio of lean mass (from muscle, bone, vital tissue and organs) and fat mass in the body.

* Cardiovascular (or cardio-respiratory) endurance - The ability to move large amounts of oxygen to working muscles.

* Coordination - Ability to engage in motor activities by controlling muscle movements, usually in accordance with vision.

* Flexibility and range of motion of the joints - Ability to move the joints and use the muscles to their full motion range.

* Muscular strength - Ability to output force for a short time period.

* Muscular endurance - Ability of a muscle to exert force for a specified period of time.

* Speed - ability to carry out an activity within a specified period of time.