We’ve invited Herb Schuh, owner of Ladies Workout Express in Joliet, to provide a guest article.

5 Components of Physical Fitness

Let’s talk about physical fitness.
 
Whether you are new to fitness or you have been working out for years, there are key components to be aware of. Specifically, what is commonly referred to in the fitness industry as “the 5 components of physical fitness.”
 
People often ask, “How healthy am I?” Often we want to compare our fitness level to others around us. How do we measure up? There are several different means in which to accomplish a physical fitness test. Sometimes you don’t need a test at all.  Can you run a 5k or do you feel out of breath when you get to the top of a single flight of stairs? Can you bench press your own body weight or is a single push up a daunting task?

The follow five components are used by most fitness professionals to measure how healthy you are:

Cardio Respiratory Endurance: The efficiency with which the body delivers oxygen and nutrients for muscular activity and transports waste products from the cells.

 
Muscular Strength: The greatest amount of force a muscle or muscle group can exert in a single effort.

 
Muscular Endurance: The ability of a muscle or muscle group to perform repeated movements with sub-maximal force for extended periods of times.

  
Flexibility: The ability to move the joints or any group of joints through an entire normal range of motion.

Body Composition: The percentage of body fat a person has in comparison to his or her total body mass.
 
There are several different tests to measure each of the 5 components above. It is important to use a trained professional who has experience with each method. Remember you’re only as strong as your weakest link of physical fitness.
 
For additional information on these 5 components, or any of your fitness needs you can contact us by phone or just stop by. We’re located next to ABC Wellness & Rehab. Check back next time for the 7 principals of exercise.