It is important to know that all components of physical fitness can be improved no matter

what stage of life. Children, teens, adults, and the elderly will see improvements in all
aspects of physical fitness if the proper exercises and training techniques are
implemented into daily exercise routines. Once proper training techniques are
established, then exercise consistency, mental focus, and discipline will be most
important for improving individuals overall physical fitness levels.

Be sure to read my latest fitness blog: Tips for Quick Weight Loss. Click here to
read it.

The 11 components of physical fitness are comprised of 5 components that are

considered the most important for being healthy and physically fit and 6 components
that are more skill-related.
The 5 components of physical fitness that are most important, directly related to
ones health, and can be directly measured are: cardiovascular endurance, muscular
strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. These 5 components of
fitness are typically taught and measured in elementary, secondary/middle, and high
school physical education classes all around the world. Fitness centers, gyms, and
health clubs use these health-related components of physical fitness to measure clients
fitness levels in order to prescribe the appropriate exercise program for each individual.
Then there are 6 components of physical fitness that are more skill-related and/or
sports-related. These include: agility, balance, coordination, power, reaction time, and
speed. These skill-related components of physical fitness are directly related to sports
and daily activities. These components can be measured and improved using very
specific training techniques.
Please click here for YouTube videos to view a demonstration of all components
of physical fitness in action.

Incorporating all components of physical fitness into your exercise program is a great
way to improve your physical fitness level. However, exercise alone is not enough to be
healthy. Nutrition plays a very important role in staying healthy and performing at a high
level of fitness. Be sure to include a daily healthy diet full of vegetables, fruits,
complex carbohydrates, and lean proteins. These healthy food choices will help you fuel
your body for daily activities and exercise.

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11 Components of Physical Fitness Definitions and Examples:

1. Agility The ability to stop, start, and change directions quickly. Agility is a skillrelated component of physical fitness. Ones agility can be increased by doing
specific footwork drills on an agility ladder, staggered tire formation, or any other
type of obstacle course that requires the individual to adjust body position, speed,
and direction quickly. Pictured below is a good example of an agility sprint test.
Agility can be tested by timing individuals running through a series of staggered
cones or obstacles for a predetermined distance. Examples of agility: A football
player cutting across the field, a gymnast doing a floor routine, a hockey player
bringing the puck down the ice maneuvering around defenders, or a soccer
player dribbling the ball around defenders. View the video at bottom of page to
see examples of agility in action.

The Illinois Agility Sprint Test is a great way to measure and improve ones
agility and speed.

This football player is showing great agility running around defenders.

2. Balance Controlling body positions while standing still or moving. Balance is a

skill-related component of physical fitness. Balance can be tested by standing on
one leg with eyes closed for 30 seconds on each leg or by performing the YBalance Test. Balance can be improved by increasing ones overall core strength.
Specific training techniques using exercise equipment such as balance discs, FitBalls, BOSU, or standing on one leg while performing an exercise can help to

improve ones balance. Examples of balance: A gymnast jumping and landing

on a balance beam, a surfer on a surfboard riding a wave, a one leg deadlift
pictured above, equestrian events, or simply jumping around on one foot.

This gymnast on the balance beam is an excellent example of balance,

power, strength, coordination, agility, and flexibility.

The Y-Balance Test is a common test for balance.

3. Body Composition The ratio of muscle to fat in the body. Having a high
percentage of body fat compared to lean muscle has shown to increase risk
of heart disease, certain cancers, strokes, and diabetes. Doing daily
cardiovascular exercise and strength training, along with a healthy diet, will help
to reduce body fat and increase lean muscle mass. Body Composition can be
measured by skinfold calipers, waist-to-hip ratios, circumference measurements,
bioelectric impedence, and hydrostatic weighing. Hydrostatic weighing is the best
way to determine ones body fat percentage, followed by skinfold calipers, and
bioelectric impedence. Body composition is a health-related component of
physical fitness. In addition to body composition, individuals should know their
body mass index (BMI) as well. Click here for further information about body
mass index and to determine your BMI.

Hydrostatic weighing is the best way to determine ones body fat

percentage. Although it is the best, it is expensive and can only be done in
a clinical setting.

Using a skinfold caliper is a good, inexpensive, and fairly accurate way to

measure ones body composition.
4. Cardiovascular Endurance Engaging in physical activity for long periods of
time. Cardiovascular endurance can be measured indoors by performing a 3
minute step test or by stress tests on a treadmill or stationary bike.
Cardiovascular endurance can also be measured by field tests such as Coopers
12-minute Run, the 1.5 Mile Run, the 600 Yard Walk/Run, or a Shuttle Run.
However, some disadvantages to outdoor field tests include wind, humidity, and
temperature. Cardiovascular endurance is a health-related component of physical
fitness. Please click here for health benefits of cardiovascular endurance training.

In order to improve cardiovascular endurance, one must be consistent with

daily aerobic exercise while reaching appropriate target heart rate zones.
Pleaseclick here for more information regarding cardiovascular endurance and
examples of cardiovascular/aerobic exercises. Examples of cardiovascular
endurance: A cross-country running race, running a marathon, jumping rope,
high-intensity circuit training, or manipulating your way through an obstacle
course.

Running a marathon is a great example of cardiovascular endurance.

5. Coordination Making movements work together smoothly. This usually

consists of upper and lower body movements being performed at the same
time. Coordination is a skill-related component of physical fitness. Coordination
can be improved by performing exercises that require the individual to use upper
body muscle groups and lower body muscle groups at the same time.
Coordination can be tested with a variety of manual dexterity tests and hand/eye
coordination tests. One example of such test is balancing on one leg and
throwing a tennis ball against a wall and catching the returning ball in the
opposite hand. Please view our gallery to see examples of exercises you can do
to improve your coordination. Examples of coordination: Performing a squat on
a BOSU while doing a shoulder press, a baseball pitcher throwing a pitch, a pole
vaulter or a high hurdler in track and field, or jumping rope. View the video at
bottom of this page to see examples of coordination in action.

A baseball pitcher throwing a pitch is a great example of coordination,

power, balance, and speed.

6. Flexibility Moving specific joints or a group of joints through a wide range of

motion (ROM). Flexibility is a health-related component of physical fitness that
plays a very important role in the functioning of all individuals especially
athletes. Examples of flexibility include: a gymnast doing a leg split, a hockey
goalie reaching with arms and/or legs to save a goal, someone doing yoga, or
bending over to touch your toes. The most common tests for flexibility include
the Sit-and-Reach Test and the Shoulder Joint Reach Flexibility Test. There are
three techniques that can be used to increase ones flexibility: ballistic stretching,
static stretching, and proprioceptive neuromuscular
facilitation.
Ballistic stretching is a short-duration,
high-force stretch that uses bouncing movements to stretch muscles. Ballistic
stretching is a high-risk injury type of stretching and is not recommended to the
general public. Bring It Home Personal Training does not teach this stretching
technique.
Static stretching is the most common type
of stretching that uses slow and steady movements that takes a muscle to a point
of slight tension and then force is slowly applied to produce a greater
stretch.

Propricoceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation

(PNF) stretching is more advanced and requires force applied against the

stretching muscle while incorporating an isometric contraction on either the

muscle being stretched or its opposite. This advanced type of stretching should
be done with a professional fitness trainer or physical therapist.

This hockey goalie is showing excellent flexibility when saving a goal.

The most common test for flexibility is the Sit and Reach Test
7. Muscular Endurance Using muscles repetitively without fatiguing for an
extended period of time. Muscular Endurance can be measured by a 60 second
push-up test or 60 second half sit-up or crunch test. Muscular endurance is a
health-related component of physical fitness. Please clickhere for more
information about muscular endurance. Examples of muscular
endurance:Long-distance cycling, using a rowing machine or crewing, or doing
push-ups until fatigue has been reached.

A long-distance cycling race is a good example of muscular endurance.

8. Muscular Strength Producing force using muscles. Muscular strength has also
been defined as the maximum pull or push that can be exerted one time by a
muscle group. Muscular Strength is a health-related component of physical
fitness. Muscular Strength can be measured by performing a 1 repetition
maximum (RM) test or a 10 RM test on a chest press in order to test upper body
strength. Other ways of testing strength can be done by using a dynamometer,
cable ensiometer, load cells or strain gauges, or various strength exercises, such
as how many pull-ups, push-ups, or biceps curls an individual can do. Examples
of muscular strength exercises: Performing a bench press, squats, pull-ups,
biceps curls, or lunge pictured below. Examples of muscular strength in
sports:An NFL lineman blocking defenders from the quarterback, kicking a
soccer ball as hard as possible, or in Track and Field the Shot-Put Event. Please
see our gallery for more images and examples of how to increase muscular
strength. Please click HERE For more details and very important
information regarding muscular strength.

The Shot-put in Track and Field is a good example of strength, power, and
coordination.

The walking lunge is a great way to improve muscular strength, balance,

and coordination.
9. Power The ability to use muscle strength quickly. Power is a skill-related
component of physical fitness. How can power be improved or
increased? Power can be increased by three general ways: increase the forceproducing capabilities of muscles; decrease the time it takes to move across a
distance due to faster speed; and increase the distance a force acts on ones

body. Total body strength training, increased flexibility through stretching, sport
specific training and improved technique, sharp mental focus, and increased
reaction time are many ways to improve overall power. Power can be tested by
performing a vertical jump test or standing long jump. Examples of
power: Plyometric training (such as jump squats or box jumps), jumping
exercises, or in track and field- the running long jump or high jump. View the
video at the bottom of this page to see examples of power in action.

The Long-Jump in Track and Field is a great example of power, speed, and
coordination.

This Vertical Jump Test is a good way to test ones power.

10. Reaction Time How quickly an individual responds to a stimulus. Reaction

time is a skill-related component of physical fitness. Reaction time can be tested
in a variety of ways. A simple test is a Reaction Time Ruler Test or a Reaction
Time Tester found at TopEndSports.com . Click here to take the test. Examples
of reaction time: playing tennis or table tennis, a baseball player swinging at a

pitch, sprinters starting a 100 meter sprint, or a soccer goalie saving a ball kicked
at the goal. Viewthe video at the bottom of this page to see examples of
reaction time in action.

A soccer goalie saving a goal is an excellent example of reaction time.

Another good example of reaction time is sprinters reacting to the start gun
to begin a race.

A Ruler Reaction Test is a simple and fun way to test ones reaction time.

11. Speed Performing a movement or covering a distance in a short period of time.

Speed is a skill-related component of physical fitness. Speed can be measured
by timing a 40-yard dash, 30 meter sprint, or the Illinois Agility Test. Individuals
can increase speed by sprinting down hill or wearing a small parachute or
weighted vest on your back while sprinting. Examples of speed: the Summer
Olympics 100 meter sprint, swimming 50 meters as fast as possible, or speed
skating. View the video at the bottom of this page to see examples of speed
in action.

Sprinting with a small parachute on is a great way to increase ones speed.

The 5 components of physical fitness that are directly health-related and the 6
components of physical fitness that are skill-related (or sports-related) should be
incorporated into your daily exercise routines. Combining all 11 components of fitness
into your exercise program will certainly make you stronger, faster, improve your balance
and increase your flexibilty. Improving upon all the components of physical fitness will
help you to perform daily routine tasks without fatique and exhaustion.
Images and Video of Exercises that Improve the 11 Components of Physical
Fitness

Please visit our new and improved Gallery for more exercises that demonstrate the
components of physical fitness in action. Be sure to click on images for name of
exercise and components of physical fitness being improved.

Push-ups increase upper body strengh and endurance

Biceps curls increase muscular strength and endurance

This basic plank strengthens the overall core muscles

Squat on BOSU with medicine ball improves balance and coordination while
increasing lower body strength and core strength

Straight arm plank improves balance and increases upper body and core strength
and endurance

Bridge and leg raise improves core, glutes, and hamstring strength

Biceps curls balancing on one leg on BOSU improves balance, coordination,

muscular strength and endurance

1. Body Composition - Body composition is the proportion of body fat to lean body mass.
The skin fold test is used to measure body composition.

2. Flexibility - Flexibility is the range of movement through which a joint of sequence of joints can move.
The sit & reach test is used to measure flexibility of lower back and hamstrings.

3. Muscular Strength - Strength is the ability of muscles to exert force.

Pull-ups or flexed arm hang is used to measure arm and shoulder strength.

4. Muscular Endurance - Muscular endurance is the ability to exert force over an extended period.

Curl-ups are used to measure abdominal endurance.

5. Cardiovascular Endurance - Cardiovascular endurance is the ability of the heart, the blood vessels, and the
respiratory system to deliver oxygen efficiently over an extended period of time.
The mile (run/walk) is used to measure cardiovascular endurance.

Sample Physical Fitness Tests

Here are some reliable physical fitness tests that measure strength, speed, power,
endurance and flexibility. They require little or no equipment - or certainly equipment
that is readily available to most people.
Strength Tests
1) One repetition max -- The standard strength test for all athletes.
2) Sit up test -- A good indication of core strength.
3) Press up test -- Used to test strength endurance.
Speed and Power Tests
1) 30m sprint -- A simple fitness test to measure power.
2) 30m sprint fatigue -- Excellent for multisprint sports such as basketball, soccer,
hockey etc.
3) Illinois agility test -- Another great fitness test for multisprint sports.
4) Standing long jump -- A simple test to measure explosive, ultra-short term power
5) Standing Vertical jump -- The standard fitness test used to measure explosive
power. Particularly relevant to basketball and volleyball.
6) Hexagon drill -- Excellent test to measure quickness, agility and balance.
Endurance Tests
1) Balke 15 minute run -- A fitness test to measure aerobic power (VO2max) indirectly.
2) Cooper 12 minute run -- As above
3) Multistage shuttle run -- Also used to estimate aerobic power but more appropriate
for multisprint sports. Also effective for testing large groups at a time.
4) Rockport test -- A simple walking test for less active individuals.
Flexibility Tests
There are only a few reliable tests to measure flexibility. The best instrument is
a goniometer (a very simple and cheap type of protractor). It can be used to measure
the flexibility of most joints and the range of motion for dozens of movements.
1) Sit and reach test -- The standard flexibility test that measures lower back and
hamstring flexibility.
2) trunk rotation test
3) Groin flexibility test

Test Order

According to the NSCA (1) a battery of physical fitness test should occur in
the following order:

1. Non-fatiguing tests (height/weight measurements, skinfolds, vertical and broad

jumps)
2. Agility tests (T-test, Illinois test)
3. Maximal strength & power tests (1-RM, 3-RM)
4. Sprint tests (40yard sprint, sprint fatigue test)
5. Muscular endurance tests (12min run, shuttle test)

An Example Battery Of Physical Fitness Tests

Here's an idea for a test battery for our soccer example...

Example Test Battery For Soccer

Test number

Test

Fitness component

Time (mins)

Skinfold measurements

Body composition

20

Standing jump test

Explosive power

10

30 meter sprint test

Short term power

10

Sprint fatigue test

Power maintenance

10

1-RM test

Maximal strength

15

Press up test

Muscular endurance

Sit up test

Muscular endurance

Multistage shuttle run

Aerobic endurance

20

Sit and reach test

Flexibility

10

Groin flexibility test

Groin flexibility

Now that you have developed your battery of physical fitness tests, use it at
the beginning of your training program (usually the start of pre-season training. Use
precisely the same set of tests to measure yourself about 6 weeks later and note your
progress. It's a good idea to test yourself justprior to the start of the competitive season
and then a couple of times during the competitive season.

COMPONENTS OF PHYSICAL FITNESS

Health Related components: Those factors that are related to how well the systems
of your body work
1. Cardiovascular Fitness: The ability of the circulatory system (heart and
blood vessels) to supply oxygen to working muscles during exercise.
2. Body Composition: The relative percentage of body fat compared to
lean body mass (muscle, bone, water,etc)
3. Flexibility: The range of movement possible at various joints.
4. Muscular strength: The amount of force that can be produced by a
single contraction of a muscle
5. Muscular endurance: The ability of a muscle group to continue muscle
movement over a length of time.

Skill Related Components: Those aspects of fitness which form the basis for
successful sportor activity participation.
1. Speed: The ability to move quickly from one point to another in a
straight line
2. Agility: The ability of the body to change direction quickly
3. Balance: The ability to maintain an upright posture while still or moving
4. Coordination: Integration with hand and/or foot movements with the
input of the senses.
5. Reaction Time: Amount of time it takes to get moving.
6. Power: The ability to do strength work at an explosive pace.
http://www.bow.k12.nh.us/cchulada/components_of_physical_fitness.htm

Physical Fitness
Physical fitness refers to the capacity of an athlete to meet the varied physical demands of
their sport without reducing the athlete to a fatigued state. The components of physical
fitness are (Davis 2000)[2]:

Body Composition

Endurance

Flexibility

Strength

Speed

Motor Fitness
Motor Fitness refers to the ability of an athlete to perform successfully at their sport. The
components of motor fitness are (Davis 2000)[2]:

Agility

Balance

Co-ordination

Power (speed & strength)

Reaction Time

Improving your condition

Identify the most important fitness components for success in your sport or event and then
design sport/event specific conditioning and training programs that will enhance these
fitness components and energy systems.

Conditioning Exercises
The following are examples of general conditioning exercises:

General core stability exercises

General all round body conditioning exercises using dumbbells

General conditioning exercises for the upper body

General and specific leg conditioning exercises

Specific exercises to develop lower leg strength and foot speed

Why should I exercise on a regular basis?

Not convinced on the benefits of a regular training regime then have a read of the the
benefits of exercising page.

I am new to training so what should I do?

Visit the general fitness training program page to get an insight into a simple weekly
training program that will help develop your general level of fitness.

Tests for fitness components

Fitness Component

Recognised Test

Agility

Illinois Agility Test

Balance

Standing Stork Test

Body Composition

Skinfold measures

Cardiovascular Endurance

Multistage Fitness Test

Flexibility

Sit & Reach test

Muscular Endurance

NCF Abdominal Conditioning Test

Power

Standing Long Jump or Vertical Jump

Speed

30 metre Sprint

Strength

Handgrip Dynamometer

In their research Suni (1996)[3] found that the following tests appeared to provide
acceptable reliability as methods for field assessment of health related fitness for adults:

Standing on one leg with eyes open for balance

Side-bending of the trunk for spinal flexibility

Modified push-ups for upper body muscular function

Jump and reach and one leg squat for leg muscular function

http://www.brianmac.co.uk/conditon.htm