Components of fitness and testing

• Cardiovascular endurance


  The ability of the heart, lungs and blood to transport oxygen
• Flexibility


  The range of motion possible at a joint
• Muscular endurance


  The ability to use voluntary muscles repeatedly without tiring
• Muscular strength

  The amount of force a muscle can exert against a resistance
• Agility


  The ability to change the position of the body quickly and control the movement
• Balance


  The ability to maintain the body’s centre of mass above the base of support
• Coordination


  The ability to use two or more body parts together
• Power


  Strength x speed
• Reaction time


  The time taken to respond to a stimulus
• Speed


  The ability to put body parts into motion quickly
• Reasons for fitness testing


  • discover strengths and weaknesses
  • compare to the national average
  • track progress
  • motivation
• Limitations of fitness testing

  • Not sport specific
  • Doesn't recreate competitive environment
  • unreliable
  • require full motivation