Defining Fitness

There is no one component that fully encompasses a definition of fitness. Total fitness is in fact made up of a number of components which combined can make you truly perform to your full potential. See (Knowing the Basics)

Fitness can be described as a condition that helps us look, feel and perform at our best. For some this could mean looking good for their summer holiday, or running the last 50 metres to catch the bus to work, or carrying the pushchair up 2 flights of stairs.For others it may mean running a marathon in a world class time or lifting twice their bodyweight at the gym.
So largely it’s all about your ability to function at your best in daily life i.e. the ability to perform daily tasks vigorously and alertly, with energy left over for enjoying leisure time activities, meeting emergency demands and withstanding stress.

So is a definition of fitness purely relative? Well, yes and no. Clearly only being able to run 50 metres to catch a bus before collapsing in a heap does not suggest a high level of cardio-respiratory endurance. However, if you happen to be 75 years old and a reformed smoker it isn’t too shabby!

This is why it’s a good idea to define your fitness goals before embarking on a new exercise program.Exactly what do you want to achieve by exercising. Yes, you must include all components of fitness to achieve full functional fitness, however, to what degree you choose to refine these components is up to you. A good personal trainer will discuss these goals with you and tailor a regime accordingly. So whether your goals are to win the parents' day egg and spoon race or play rugby for Scotland-it’s time to head for health!