5 Components of Fitness

Cardiovascular Endurance Cardiovascular endurance is the ability of the heart, lungs and blood vessels to deliver oxygen to working muscles and tissues. Utilization of oxygen is also a component of this. High Utilization of oxygen will determine a factor for the body's endurance levels. Cardiovascular exercise is also called cardio-respiratory exercise because it also involves the lungs with aerobic exercise. Target Heart rate is used throughout each cardiovascular exercise within the units. The goal is to reach your specific target heart rate throughout each exercise.

Muscular Endurance Muscular Endurance is the ability to sustain using muscular strength and endure repeated muscular contractions for an extended period of time. Muscular endurance is necessary in exercise and when completing heavy tasks, as it allows the muscles to continue for long periods of time without becoming tired.

Muscular Strength This refers to the ability of the body to exert a force on physical objects using muscles. The intensity of the recruitment of the muscle fibers and the cross-sectional area of the muscles generated will determine the intensity of the recruitment. Skeletal muscles are known to produce reactive forces and moments at the joints. Strengthening is required at least 2 days out of the week.

Flexibility This refers to the ability of lengthening muscles to a distance of pliability without damage or injury. It also has to do with the degree or range of motion possible around a specific joint. Flexibility is required at least 5 days out of the week or more.

Body Composition Describes the body's amount of fat, bone, and muscle percentages within the human body. Body Composition can be measured several different ways. One way is through air displacement and through caliper testing. This will determine the amount of body fat to muscle ratio each individual has. To find your BMI (Body Mass Index):