Health and fitness

• Health


  A state of complete, physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity
• Fitness

  The ability to meet/cope with the demands of the environment
• Social health and well-being

  Basic human needs are being met. The individual has friendship and support, some value in society, is socially active and has little stress in social circumstances
• Mental health and well-being


  State of well-being in which every individual realises his/her own potential, copes with normal stresses of life, works productively and is able to make a contribution to his/her community
• Physical health and well-being


  All body systems working well, free from illness and injury. Ability to carry out everyday tasks.
• Well-being


  Involves physical, mental and social well-being. It is the dynamic process of the 3 parts that gives people a sense of being comfortable/healthy.
• Serotonin


  A ‘feel-good’ chemical released during exercise
• How can physical health and well being be affected by sport?

  Improves heart function

  Improves efficiency of body systems

  Reduces the risk of some illnesses e.g. diabetes, 

  coronary heart disease

  Help prevent obesity
• How can mental health and well being be affected by sport?

  Reduces stress/tension/anxiety

  Release of feel good hormones (serotonin)

  Able to control emotions

  Improves self esteem
• How can social health and well being be affected by sport?

  Opportunities to socialise and make friends

  Cooperation

  Teamwork

  Essential human needs are met (clothing e.g. team kit)

  Valued in society
• How can fitness be affected by sport?

  Improves fitness – (ability to cope with the demands of your environment)

  Reduces chance of injury

  Makes it easier for you to complete physical work e.g. some people work on their feet all day/carry out manual labour
• Ectomorph

  • Very thin and lean (usually tall)
  • Narrow shoulders, hips and chest
  • Not much fat/muscle
  • Long arms and legs
  • Thin face and high forehead
• Ectomorph - sports

  • High jump
  • Long jump
  • Tennis
  • Endurance activities (marathon runner)


  Why?

  • Marathon runner – would benefit as they do not carry much weight (fat or muscle) 
  • Tennis – serving from a height can provide distinctive advantages
• Mesomorph

  • A wedge shape
  • Large muscle content
  • Broad shoulders and thin waist
• Mesomorph - sports

  • Weight lifter
  • Sprinter
  • Rugby player
  • Boxer

  Why?

  Muscles generate power and strength.

  • Sprinting - muscular wedge shape is beneficial as the force generated at the shoulders can allow the arms to pump, allowing the legs to move faster.
  • Weight lifter – having high upper body muscle bulk provides the force to lift and hold a heavy weight
  • Rugby players – mesomorphic characteristics allow them to generate force when making contact with opponents
• Endomorph

  • Pear-shaped body
  • High content of fat
  • Fat around the middle, thighs and upper arms
• Endomorph - sports

  • Front row forwards in rugby
  • Shot put
  • Sumo wrestling

  Why?

  Pear-shaped bulk gives the athletes the benefit when pushing opposition in the scrum or sumo wrestling match. 

  The bulk/body weight is used in powerful releases of the shot put also.