Thursday, May 8, 2008

General fitness

Physical fitness is the result of regular exercise, proper diet and nutrition, and proper rest for physical recovery within the parameters allowed by the genome.

Physical fitness is often divided into the following types (in alphabetical order):

  • Accuracy
  • Agility
  • Balance
  • Body composition
  • Cardiovascular endurance
  • Coordination
  • Flexibility and joint range of motion
  • Power
  • Speed
  • Stamina
  • Strength

Many sources also cite mental and emotional health as an important part of overall fitness. This is often presented in textbooks as a triangle made up of three sub-sections, which represent physical, emotional, and mental fitness. Hence, fit but may still suffer from a mental illness or have emotional problems. The "ideal triangle" is balanced in all areas. Physical fitness can also prevent or treat many chronic health conditions brought on by unhealthy lifestyle or aging, among other implications.

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