a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity

the ability to meet the demands of the environment

all body systems working well, free from illness and injury and ability to carry out everyday tasks

can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community

basic human needs are being met (food, shelter and clothing) and the individual has friendship and support, some value in society, is socially active and has little stress in social circumstances

The relationship between health and fitness

Physical education

Cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, power and speed

Types of strength

Agility, balance, co-ordination, flexibility and reaction time

A practical exploration of fitness testing - endurance

A practical exploration of fitness tests: speed, strength, power and flexibility

A practical exploration of fitness tests: balance, coordination, agility and reaction time

The importance of fitness components in sport

Reasons for and limitations of fitness testing

This unit will explore the relationship between health, fitness, exercise and performance before unpacking the different components of fitness. This understanding will include key definitions, how to test and train each but also which components are most important for different sports.

Physical training: health and fitness

the ability of the heart and lungs to supply oxygen to working muscles (also known as aerobic power)

the ability of a muscle, or muscle group, to undergo repeated contractions, avoiding fatigue and the ability of muscles to contract over a period of time

product of strength and speed (explosive strength/anaerobic power)

the maximum rate at which an individual is able to perform a movement or cover a distance in a period of time

the ability of a muscle, or muscle group, to undergo repeated contractions, avoiding fatigue (muscular endurance)

to hold a body part (limb) in a static position and muscle length stays the same

product of strength and speed (anaerobic power)

the largest force a muscle, or group of muscles, can exert in a single contraction

the ability to move and change direction quickly whilst maintaining control

the range of movements possible at a joint

the ability to use different parts of the body (two or more) together smoothly and efficiently

the maintenance of the centre of mass over the base of support and reference can be made to whilst static (still) or dynamic (whilst moving)

the time taken to initiate a response to a stimulus, i.e. the time from the initiation of the stimulus

the product of strength and speed, i.e. strength x speed

Physical training: health and fitness

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