Physical fitness
Physical fitness
The notion of physical fitness is used in two close meanings.
General fitness
In its most general meaning, physical fitness is a general state of good physical health. A physically handicapped person's body may be physically fit (healthy), though their ability is likely to be less than optimum.
Physical fitness is a result of regular physical activity, proper diet and nutrition, and proper rest for physical recovery within the parameters allowed by the genome.
Physical fitness is often divided into following types:
Flexibility
Cardiovascular endurance
Muscular strength & endurance
Body Composition
Agility
Balance
Speed
Task-oriented fitness
A person may be said to be physically fit to perform a particular task with a reasonable efficiency, for example, fit for military service.
Military-style
In recent years, Military-style fitness training programs have become increasingly popular among civilians. Courses are available all over the U.S. and Europe. Physical fitness is an attribute required for service in virtually all militaries.
They are usually taught by ex-military personnel. Very often the instructors held highly regarded positions within various military organizations. Often times the instructors were formerly Drill instructors, Special Forces Operatives or held otherwise distinguished positions.
These courses always have some common elements. They often focus on military style calisthenics and group runs. The courses are often held very early in the morning and will meet in almost any weather. Students can expect push-ups, sit-ups, pullups, and jumping jacks, as well as more obscure drills such as flutter kicks, sun worshippers and flares. Almost invariably a workout will include short runs while longer runs are more scheduled. Special forces are renowned for their level of fitness and intensity of their workouts.
One such example is Crossfit, which is popular with military and law enforcement personnel.
Notable fitness instructors:
Charles Atlas
Billy Blanks (Creator of Tae Bo)
Matt Furey
Jack LaLanne
Dave Leslie 'Keeping in Shape' in Cambridge, England
Tony Little
John Peterson (Creator of Transformetrics)
Susan Powter
Richard Simmons
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Physical fitness".
