What is Physical Fitness? Fitness Tips
By Dr. Alper Uğraş

Physical fitness means different things to different people. Obviously there is a vast degree of difference in the level and kind of fitness achieved by the highly trained athlete as compared to the average person.

However, physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is also a foundation for dynamic and creative intellectual activity. We know that intelligence and skill can only function at their peak capacity when the body is healthy and strong.

The components of physical fitness are generally classified into two groups: health-related (cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, body composition) and skill-related (coordination, agility, speed, balance, reaction time, power).

Physical fitness, then, is one aspect of total fitness, which also comprises the social, mental and emotional makeup of each individual.

Source: Stokes R., Moore A.C., Moore C., Schultz S.,
“Fitness, the New Wave”, Hunter Textbooks Inc., 1992