Fitness components

Year 8 .PE, By Mr Beasley

Fitness components One of the misconceptions in the

sports world is that a sports person gets in shape by just playing or taking part in his/her chosen sport. If a stationary level of performance, consistent ability in executing a few limited skills is your goal, then engaging only in your sport will keep you there. However, if you want the utmost efficiency, consistent improvement, and balanced abilities sportsmen and women must participate in year round conditioning programs.

The9 Fitness components Exercise scientists have identified nine components that

comprise the definition of fitness: [Reference: Bill Tancred, "Key Methods of Sports Conditioning", Athletics Coach Vol 29 No 2 p19]Strength - the extent to which muscles can exert force by contracting against resistance (e.g. holding or restraining an object or person)

The 9 Fitness components Power - the ability to exert maxim

um muscular contraction instantly in an explosive burst of movements. The two components of power are strength and speed. (e.g. Shot Put or a sprint start)

The 9 Fitness componentsAgility - the ability to perform a se

ries of explosive power movements in rapid succession in opposing directions (e.g. ZigZag running or cutting movements)

The 9 Fitness components Balance - the ability to control the

body's position, either stationary (e.g. a handstand) or while moving (e.g. a gymnastics stunt

The 9 Fitness components Flexibility - the ability to achieve a

n extended range of motion without being impeded by excess tissue, i.e. fat or muscle (e.g. executing a leg split)

The 9 Fitness components Muscle Endurance - a single muscl

e's ability to perform sustained work (e.g. rowing or cycling)

The 9 fitness components Cardiovascular Endurance - the he

art's ability to deliver blood to working muscles and their ability to use it (e.g. running long distances)

The 9 Fitness components Speed: Speed is the ability of a person to

execute motor movements with high speed in the shortest period of time. It is equal to the distance covered per unit of time. the element of speed is involved in most of the athletic skills such as in sprint running, some skills of soccer, basketball, etc.

The 9 Fitness components Co-ordination- the ability to integr

ate the above listed components so that effective movements are achieved.

General health fitness components Versus Sports specific Fitness components

General Health Sports specific

Muscular endurance Co-ordination

Cardiovascular endurance Balance

Strength Agility

Flexibility Power

Speed