Fitness is defined as, “the ability to function effectively in a given environment”. In other words, it’s about being able to function at your best.
There are four types of fitness: Physical, mental, social and spiritual.
Physical Fitness:
Physical fitness is the ability to carry out physical activities without undue fatigue.
Mental fitness:
Mental fitness is the ability to think and concentrate clearly, to understand and remember things, to make decisions and solve problems, to use logical reasoning, to deal with changes and handle stress.
Social fitness:
Social fitness is the ability to get along well with others, to be sensitive to the feelings of others, to take responsibility for one’s own actions, to respect the rights of others, to work cooperatively with others, to follow rules, to accept criticism and to set high standards.
Spiritual fitness:
Spiritual fitness is the ability to develop a deep sense of purpose and meaning in life, to have self-respect, to cope with adversity, to maintain optimism, to make wise choices, to find joy in everyday events, to express love and compassion, to practice forgiveness and to develop a strong sense of faith.
All four types of fitness are essential for health and well-being.
What is physical fitness?
Physical fitness is the development and maintenance of the body’s structure and function so that the person can perform the activities of daily living without undue fatigue or pain. It is the ability to move freely and without undue fatigue. It includes strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination, agility and balance.
What is mental fitness?
Mental fitness is thinking and concentrating clearly, understanding and remembering things, making decisions and solving problems, using logical reasoning, dealing with changes and handling stress.
What is social fitness?
Social fitness is getting along well with others, being sensitive to the feelings of others and taking responsibility for one’s own actions.
What is spiritual fitness?
Spiritual fitness is developing a deep sense of purpose and finding meaning in life. It includes self-respect, coping with adversity, maintaining optimism, making wise choices, accepting criticism and setting high standards.
Does fitness mean exercise? Exercise is a form of fitness. However, exercise is only one part of fitness. The other parts are nutrition, rest, relaxation and balance. Exercise alone will not build fitness. If you want to build fitness, you must do more than just exercise.
You can’t expect to become fit just by exercising. You must combine exercise with nutrition, rest, relaxation and good health habits. Exercise alone will not build your fitness.
Exercise builds muscle mass and tone. Exercising helps you burn calories and fat. Exercising also increases your metabolism and helps you sleep better.
How much exercise do you need? The amount of exercise depends on your age, your gender, your activity level and your health status.
If you are over 40 years old, you should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise 5 days per week. If you are under 40, you should aim for at at least 20 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise 3 times per week.
If you are inactive, you should aim for at minimum 10 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic exercise 2 times per week. If you are moderately active, you should aim for at a minimum of 20 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic exercise 3 times per month.
If you are very active, you should aim for a minimum of 60 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic exercise at least 3 times per week.
If you are pregnant or breast feeding, you should avoid strenuous exercise.
If you are overweight, you should aim for at 15 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise 2 times per day. If you are obese, you should aim for at 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercises 3 times per week.
It is important to note that exercise is an important part of fitness. However, exercise alone will not build fitness.