Summary

The five components of health-related fitness are:

• Cardiovascular endurance
• Muscular strength
• Muscular endurance
• Flexibility
• Body fat composition

Understanding the Components

Physical activity is crucial for good health, but what does it mean to be fit? The five components of fitness provide a framework:

• Cardiovascular endurance keeps your heart and lungs healthy.
• Muscular strength lets you lift heavy objects.
• Muscular endurance helps you sustain muscle contractions.
• Flexibility allows full range of motion.
• Body fat composition indicates your fat-to-lean ratio.

The 5 Components of Physical Fitness

1. Cardiovascular Endurance

   Your heart and lungs fuel your body with oxygen during activities like running, swimming, and cycling. Tests like the Cooper Run or Step Test assess your cardiovascular endurance.

2. Muscular Strength

   Muscular strength empowers you to lift and carry heavy objects. Train with heavy weights in the 4–6 or 12–15 rep ranges for better strength.

3. Muscular Endurance

   Muscular endurance sustains muscle contractions for extended periods. Use light weights in the 20–25 rep range to build endurance.

4. Flexibility

   Flexibility ensures pain-free movement through your full range. Test by touching your toes or doing the sit and reach test.

5. Body Fat Composition

   Body fat composition measures your fat-to-lean ratio. To be fit, men should have less than 17% body fat, and women should have less than 24%.

The Bottom Line

The 5 components of fitness guide you to physical well-being. Include cardio, strength, endurance, flexibility, and monitor body fat in your fitness plan.

Vary your workouts with cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises to optimize overall health.