Module 1

Physical Fitness and Health

Lesson 2
Physical Fitness Components
Health – Related Components
This component promotes health and prevents diseases. Under this element are
cardiorespiratory endurances, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body
composition.
Cardiorespiratory Endurance refers to the ability of the whole body to perform activities for a
prolonged time and have the circulatory and respiratory systems work efficiently. A person who
is fit is capable of sustaining physical activity for a longer period without getting tired easily.
Cardiorespiratory endurance is considered as the most important component of health – related
because it helps the body combat various diseases like coronary heart disease, high blood
pressure, stroke, obesity, and stress. With improved cardiovascular, the heart becomes stronger
and more efficient in pumping an increased amount of blood in every beat.
Flexibility is defined as the range of motion possible at the many joints in the body. When
muscles are developed and lengthened through appropriate exercise, they allow the joints to
move through a wider range of motion. Flexibility is able to help an individual prevent backaches,
injuries during exercise. The importance of stretching or conditioning before and after a
strenuous activity is necessary.
Muscular Strength is the ability of the muscle to generate force. It is often measured by how
much weight a person can lift. Stronger muscles allow the person to do more work, protect the
joints from possible injuries and makes bones stronger.
Muscular Endurance is the ability of the muscle to generate force repeatedly. Improved
endurance allows an individual to perform physical activities in a greater number of repetitions
and in a longer period. Building muscle endurance helps prevent muscle damage and fatigue. A
person who fails to keep their muscles properly toned often suffers from unexpected and painful
sprain.
Body Composition is the ratio of lean body weight to fat. The main components under
consideration are fat mass, muscle mass, bone density, and water volume.
Skill – Related Components
The component of skill – related is more associated with better performance in games and sports.
This is composed of agility, balance, coordination, power, reaction time, and speed.
Agility – refers to the ability to change direction quickly and accurately during movement. This
skill is best applied in sports where stopping and changing direction is constantly enforced.
Balance – is the ability to maintain equilibrium while moving or standing still. This skill is needed
for most of the sports especially in skating and gymnastics.
Coordination – is the ability to use the senses with the body parts to perform movement tasks.
This skill is best for hand – eye and foot – eye coordination.

Power – is the ability to apply force at a high rate of speed. Power is common among weight
lifters.
Reaction Time – is the elapsed between a stimulus and the resulting response. This skill is best
applied in running especially sprinting.
Speed – deals with the rate at which a movement is performed. This skill is applicable in all sports.