lar strength and flexibility. Each of these
components is vitally important for overall
fitness, as it pertains to the average person
seeking an adequate fitness level as a part of
overall health and wellness.
First, there is cardiorespiratory conditioning. This involves the proper conditioning of
the heart and lungs. There is no need to think
of extremes here, as being fit in this area does
not mean that one has to be a marathon runner. However, if you are not currently involved
in a program to improve this most important
facet of fitness and health, then please make
the decision to get moving. The human body
was designed to move and the pursuit of at
least a basic level of cardiorespiratory fitness
is mandatory in any general fitness routine.
Second, there is muscular endurance. This
refers to the muscles’ being able to sustain
contractions for prolonged periods of time.
Endurance is specific. The types of activities
that build cardiorespiratory endurance are
different from what are needed for muscular
endurance. A later column will deal with the
principle of specificity and how it relates to
the different components of fitness.
The third area of the general fitness routine
concerns muscular strength. There are different kinds of muscular strength and many
different methods and techniques for increasing it; but, for the purpose of this writing
just know that you cannot be truly fit without
adequate strength.
Finally, general fitness must include adequate flexibility. This refers to having the
proper range-of-motion (ROM) throughout
the body’s joints and connective tissues.
INSIGHT
Again, this does not mean that you have to
be as limber as a gymnast, but that you are
flexible enough to safely be able to carry out
all of your activities of daily living (ADL) and
fitness endeavors without fear of injury from
a lack of sufficient ROM.
These four areas constitute the foundation
of any general fitness program. Obviously,
there are a multitude of subjects of interest
and concern within each of these domains.
Please feel free to address your fitness-related
questions directly to me at terrylee36265@
gmail.com. An attempt will be made to answer questions of the greatest interest in future columns. However, medical advice inquiries and questions regarding specific dietary
prescriptions should be addressed to officially-trained and qualified personnel. ✤
March 2014
15