Importance of Physical Fitness

Physical fitness is described as a set of

characteristics that allow one to engage in
physical activities. The attributes or
components of fitness were identified by
testing a large number of people on physical
performance tests (example, sit-ups, push-
ups, runs, pull-ups, rope climbs, vertical
jumps, and long jumps) and then using
statistical techniques to find tests that appear
to share common performance requirements.
Strength, muscular endurance,
cardiorespiratory endurance, coordination,
balance, flexibility, and body composition
were recognized as essential fitness
components in this research. Military
research has clearly demonstrated that those
with lesser levels of cardiorespiratory
endurance or muscular endurance are more
likely to be injured, and that improving
fitness reduces injury risk. Those who are
more fit conduct activities at a lower
proportion of their maximum capability,
allowing them to complete the task for a
longer period of time, fatigue less quickly,
recover faster, and have more reserve
capacity for subsequent tasks. Fatigue
affects movement patterns, putting stress on
portions of the body that aren't used to it and
thus raising the risk of injury.