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The Basics -- Fitness

The Basics of Fitness

Learn the basics of aerobic fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition.
Aerobic Fitness Learn why aerobic fitness is important to your health.
Muscular Fitness Learn why muscular strength and endurance are keys to being healthy.
Flexibility Learn why flexibility complements your fitness routine.
Body Composition Learn why measuring your body composition is important for your health.

More in the Library!

 

Simply click a component of fitness on the left to get started. Each section features information pertaining to that specific component and the role it plays in achieving optimum fitness.

The more you know—the easier it is to get fit!

It's no secret that physical fitness is one of the keys to a healthy lifestyle, but how do we define fitness? Well, it's pretty easy. Fitness is simply the ability to perform physical activities, and there are several components or parts that contribute to what we like to call health-related fitness. These include:

  • Aerobic Fitness
  • Muscular Strength
  • Muscular Endurance
  • Flexibility
  • Body Composition

A comprehensive fitness program should be geared toward improving each of these areas. And, the great thing about exercise is that you have complete control over what you choose to do.

But, before you begin, you probably need a better understanding of health-related fitness. Let's briefly review the five components of fitness so you're armed with the knowledge you'll need to create an effective exercise program that improves not only fitness, but health as well.