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Physical Fitness, ability
of the human body to function with vigor and
alertness, without undue fatigue, and with ample
energy to engage in leisure activities, and to
meet physical stresses. Muscular strength and
endurance, cardio respiratory integrity, and
general alertness are the overt signs of
physical fitness.
Physical fitness is
usually measured in relation to functional
expectations—that is, typically, by periodic
tests measuring strength, endurance, agility,
coordination, and flexibility. In addition,
stress testing, which ascertains the body's
accommodation to powerful, sustained physical
stimuli, is used to analyze fitness. If
individuals are able to accommodate to the
stressors, they are assumed to be fit.
The level of physical
fitness can be influenced by regular, systematic
exercise. Moderate activity will maintain the
individual at a level that is usually adequate
to handle ordinary stress. If the fitness level
is to be improved, however, it is necessary to
participate in more intensive exercise that
overloads the physiological systems and thus
promotes change.
Exercises that demand
total body involvement improve and maintain
fitness most effectively—for example, jogging,
running, swimming, vigorous dancing, cycling,
and brisk walking. Organized games and sports
that have long rest periods within the play
design have only minimal influence on fitness.
Programs especially planned to help individuals
attain fitness are offered in numerous places:
schools and gymnasiums, private clubs and
studios, and special, professionally organized
clinics that are attentive to problems of
cardiac and pulmonary function. The individual
must be careful in choosing an exercise program
and should ensure it is staffed by experts in
physical education or medicine.
Normal, healthy
individuals may plan their own exercise
programs. The general rule is to exercise only
until discomfort is experienced—that is, until
breathing becomes labored, circulation seems
inadequate, or fatigue influences performance.
People with health problems caused by heart
attacks, strokes, and illness should see a
physician before devising an exercise program. Proper nutrition is
important to physical fitness, because energy
expenditure depends on nutrition. If diet is
inadequate, the fitness level will drop.
Overweight, underweight, and weak individuals
will have below average fitness levels.
In the United States, the
President's Council on Physical Fitness and
Sports, established in 1956, is the national
fitness advocate. In addition, the American
Alliance for Health, Physical Education,
Recreation and Dance sponsors programs,
publications, and tests to help people better
understand their fitness needs.
Generally, longer periods
of exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease
for the individual. Yet many individuals and
organizations promote fitness through extreme
means. Such programs should be approached with
skepticism and caution. The attainment and
maintenance of physical fitness, coupled with
nutritious diet and reasonable rest patterns,
require dedication to a long-term, systematic
investment in an active life.
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