As far as the dictionary meaning is concerned, physical fitness is a general state
of good physical health. Obtaining and maintaining physical fitness is a result of physical activity, proper diet and nutrition and, of course, of proper rest for physical recovery. In its simplest terms, physical fitness is to the human body what fine-tuning is to an engine. It enables people to perform up to their potential. Regardless of age, fitness can be described as a condition that helps individuals look, feel and do their best. Thus, physical fitness trainers describe it as the ability to perform daily tasks vigorously and alertly, with leftover energy to enjoy leisuretime activities and meet emergency demands. Specifically true for senior citizens, physical fitness is the ability to endure, bear up, withstand stress and carry on in circumstances where an unfit person could not continue. For anybody in order to be considered physically fit, the heart, the lungs, and muscles have to perform at a certain level. In other words, all the parts of the body have to act properly so that the individual continues feeling capable of performing an activity. At the same time, since what humans do with their bodies directly affects the state of mind, fitness influences to some degree qualities such as mental alertness and emotional expression. Physical fitness is often divided into the following categories in order that people may be able to examine its components or parameters. Particularly, physical fitness is judged by: 1. Cardiovascular endurance : This is the ability of the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and to remove wastes over sustained periods of time. 2. Muscular strength and endurance : Strength deals with the ability of the muscle to exert force for a brief time period, while endurance is the ability of a muscle, or group of muscles, to sustain repeated contractions or to continue to apply force against an inert object. 3. Flexibility : This denotes the ability to move joints and use muscles through their full range of motion. 4. Body composition : Considered as one of the components of fitness, composition refers to the body in terms of lean mass (muscle, bone, vital tissue, and organs) and fat mass. Actually, the optimal ratio of fat to lean mass is an indication of fitness. Performing the right set of exercises can help people get rid of body fat and increase or maintain muscle mass. J.F. Kennedy has rightly said, “Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” This statement clearly shows us the importance of physical fitness. But what is physical fitness? Well, it is a state or condition in which both your body and your mind are healthy and physically sound (by taking in proper nutrition and maintaining a good workout schedule). It is not necessary for a person who is physically fit to have a lean body, that can be achieved by maximum calories burned. Rather, one should have strong body endurance, along with good muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness. It is also important to remember that a physically fit body is generally accompanied by a happy and satisfied state of mind. Today’s world is very competitive and nobody can escape hectic schedule of life. Earlier, people’s lifespan used to be longer than present lifespan. Because earlier people lived in different lifestyle and different working style. But today’s people are working under stressful condition and as a result, they are suffering from many diseases. Physical fitness is very essential for good health to live and lead a happy life. To achieve physical fitness we need to have minimal diet habits, regular exercise and good sleep. These three basic things are very essential in every individual’s life. Physical inactivity is one of the leading causes of death in both developing and developed countries, responsible for an estimated 22-23% of CHID, 16-17% of colon cancer, 15% of diabetes, 12-13% of strokes and 11% of breast cancer. Physical activity is associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). A survey has found that urban people are more prone to health problems than rural people. Women are facing many more health problems than men do. As you start ageing, you will lose 20 percent of your body’s water content, 60 percent of your ability to taste, 35 percent of your ability to pump blood from the heart, about 3 inches in height. Therefore, we need to know the importance of physical fitness.