Definition of fitness

The dictionary defines it as:

fit·ness (fĭt’nĭs) n.

• The state or condition of being fit; suitability or appropriateness.
• Good health or physical condition, especially as the result of exercise and proper nutrition.
• Biology The extent to which an organism is adapted to or able to produce offspring in a particular environment.

Accordingly, a general-purpose physical fitness program must address the following essentials:

• Cardiovascular Fitness
• Flexibility Training
• Strength Training
• Muscular Endurance
• Body Composition
• General Skill Training

The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports — a study group sponsored by the Government of the United States — declines to offer a simple definition of Physical Fitness. Instead, it developed the following chart:

However along with these essential components, a comprehensive fitness program that is tailored to an individual will probably focus on one or more specific skills, and on age-or health-related needs such as bone health.