Page 70 - Sember, Vedrana, and Shawnda A. Morrison. 2018. The Mind-Body Connection. Koper: University of Primorska Press.
P. 70
Physical Fitness
Sjostrom, 2007; Chomistek, Chasman, Cook, Rimm, & Lee, 2013;
Berry et al., 2013), skeletal health (Ginty et al., 2005), and mental
health (DiLorenzo et al., 1999; Castelli et al., 2007). Ortega et al.
(2008) found out that physical efficiency during childhood and ad-
olescence is a good indicator of health. Several health benefits are
associated with physical fitness. Better physical fitness reduces the
risk of cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, diabetes, dying pre-
maturely and obesity (US Department of Health and Human Ser-
vices, 1996), improves bone function, musculoskeletal function and
psychological variables such as depression, anxiety, stress and self-
confidence (American College of Sports Medicine, 2006).
Quantifying Physical Fitness
The assessment of physical fitness has a longer history than of phys-
ical activity (Malina & Katzmarzyk, 2006). Over the past 50 to 60
years the concept of physical fitness has evolved from a primary
focus on motor and strength components to more emphasis on
health in the 1970s (AAHPERD, 1980) and morphological and meta-
bolic components have been added to the more traditional mus-
cular strength and endurance, motor, and cardiovascular compon-
ents (Bouchard & Shephard, 1994). Caspersen et al. (1985) identified
the differences between physical activity, exercise and physical fit-
ness and their importance in health research. Physical activity is any
bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that result in energy
expenditure and could be measured in kilocalories. Components of
physical fitness include strength, endurance, speed, power, agility,
flexibility, coordination, morphological and metabolic components
(Malina & Katzmarzyk, 2006), overall physical fitness is set of attrib-
utes that people have or achieve (Caspersen et al., 1985). The ability
to carry out daily tasks with vigor and alertness, without undue fa-
tigue and with ample energy to enjoy in activity means being phys-
ically fit. Things such as vigor, alertness, fatigue and enjoyment are
hard to measure, on the other hand, health-related physical fitness
is easier to measure (Caspersen et al., 1985). Definition of exercise
is more restrictive than definitions physical activity and physical fit-
ness. An exercise intended to improve or maintain an established
68
Sjostrom, 2007; Chomistek, Chasman, Cook, Rimm, & Lee, 2013;
Berry et al., 2013), skeletal health (Ginty et al., 2005), and mental
health (DiLorenzo et al., 1999; Castelli et al., 2007). Ortega et al.
(2008) found out that physical efficiency during childhood and ad-
olescence is a good indicator of health. Several health benefits are
associated with physical fitness. Better physical fitness reduces the
risk of cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, diabetes, dying pre-
maturely and obesity (US Department of Health and Human Ser-
vices, 1996), improves bone function, musculoskeletal function and
psychological variables such as depression, anxiety, stress and self-
confidence (American College of Sports Medicine, 2006).
Quantifying Physical Fitness
The assessment of physical fitness has a longer history than of phys-
ical activity (Malina & Katzmarzyk, 2006). Over the past 50 to 60
years the concept of physical fitness has evolved from a primary
focus on motor and strength components to more emphasis on
health in the 1970s (AAHPERD, 1980) and morphological and meta-
bolic components have been added to the more traditional mus-
cular strength and endurance, motor, and cardiovascular compon-
ents (Bouchard & Shephard, 1994). Caspersen et al. (1985) identified
the differences between physical activity, exercise and physical fit-
ness and their importance in health research. Physical activity is any
bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that result in energy
expenditure and could be measured in kilocalories. Components of
physical fitness include strength, endurance, speed, power, agility,
flexibility, coordination, morphological and metabolic components
(Malina & Katzmarzyk, 2006), overall physical fitness is set of attrib-
utes that people have or achieve (Caspersen et al., 1985). The ability
to carry out daily tasks with vigor and alertness, without undue fa-
tigue and with ample energy to enjoy in activity means being phys-
ically fit. Things such as vigor, alertness, fatigue and enjoyment are
hard to measure, on the other hand, health-related physical fitness
is easier to measure (Caspersen et al., 1985). Definition of exercise
is more restrictive than definitions physical activity and physical fit-
ness. An exercise intended to improve or maintain an established
68
