Share this content on Facebook!
12 Nov 2015
GYM
Being a Health and Fitness Professional, it is my job to understand terms and definitions that are commonplace to this industry, at the same time to keep abreast of evolving trends. Through my experience, I have found that a number of terms deserve a tad bit more clarification than that they will are granted.

FITNESS
Besides clarifying the definition of Health Related Fitness, this article plans to shed some light with a few of the associated terms, and show their respective distinctions.

Would it be simply all in the name?

The fitness world seems to use the concept Health Related Fitness like a generic fitness principle - interchangeable online websites like "Physical Fitness", "Health and Fitness" or simply just "Fitness."

While all of these terms can be included beneath the broad term Health and Physical Fitness, they individually talk about different aspects - both generic and specific. Unfortunately, references to these and other fitness-related terms will often be vague, while consistency of their intended use is meager at the best; there is a kind of "generally accepted" use for the children, but individuals often rely on own interpretation, which can lead to confusion.

With that in mind, does Health Related Fitness simply infer fitness by way of good health? Not quite. That's the reason we need to understand a little more behind these words before digesting madness.

How did the word Health Related Physical Fitness come to pass?

That is a good question. You can probably ask what is this concept all about - can we not simply use the terms "Fitness" or "Physical Fitness" instead?" Why Health "Related"?

The primary reason stems from the fact that most health and fitness terms are used inconsistently and frequently refer to different concepts or notions. Succeeding the 1996 report in the US Surgeon General (Exercise and Health; a study of the Surgeon General), there was a move to try and address the alarming rise in obesity levels one of many general American public. Studies and initiatives required standardization among clinicians, doctors and fitness trainers to grapple using the task at hand. Enter "Health Related Physical Fitness", a functional term to address the state of health among the public.

The meaning of Health Related Fitness

Based on the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the principle authority in this field, ineffective definitions with unclear and subjective wordings, in addition to definitions containing terms which themselves require defining, have contributed to confusing the term "Physical Fitness."

There is no reliable guide for Health and Fitness Professionals to measure "Physical Fitness", because the term has been so loosely and inconsistently defined. Therefore, it's that one should consider the thought of Health Related Fitness. The meaning therefore centers on the 5 Components of Physical Fitness which connect with "good health." These factors are:

 Cardiorespiratory Fitness
 Body Composition
 Flexibility
 Muscular Strength
 Muscular Endurance

Conversely, Skill Related Fitness Components are:

 Balance
 Reaction Time
 Coordination
 Agility
 Speed
 Power

In line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the definition of Physical Fitness emphasizes the difference between Health Related Health and fitness and Athletic Ability Fitness and health. Its point-of-departure is the "health" of the usa nation, which is often termed as the "public health perspective." Due to that, the 5 Health Related Fitness Components tend to be more important than those in connection with Athletic Ability (or Skill Related Components).

Even though the concept of Health Related Fitness comes with an integral association with "good health", the five Components are addressed individually by medical researchers to allow for their measurement.

Since we have a deeper understanding of the term, what purpose does it serve?

Continuing from where the definition left off, the goal of measuring the 5 Components would be to advise clients regarding their own particular Medical Fitness, and to use data extracted from the tests to create appropriate exercise programs which may then be evaluated.

The 5 Components contribute evenly to create up a holistic Health-related Fitness, which is of direct interest on the health of the ordinary citizen, for the reason that the concept is normative. To put it differently, it is a standard that enables for consistent application.

So get a telephone for those working in the health and fitness industry to not mistake "overall physical fitness" with "Health Related Fitness and health."

To conclude, let us consider this distinction between Fitness and health and Health Related Fitness

One should bear in mind that regular work out can improve overall Conditioning, as well as Health Related Fitness. However, overall fitness can be a generic term and is also up to subjective interpretation, while Medical Fitness can be assessed.

The difference therefore, between these terms, exists because Health Related Physical Fitness may be measured according to a set of established comparative norms.

This is when the "rubber hits the street." The guidelines put down by the ACSM enable physicians to work with clients to evaluate and measure their reaction to exercise and prescribe appropriate exercise programs. A client's progress may then be monitored and adjusted where necessary to be able to obtain the desired workout goals.

Cleto Tirabassi is a certified Fitness Trainer together with the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).

His work concentrates on the "sensible approach" to Health-related Fitness, which entails using practical, flexible and sustainable ways to achieve optimal numbers of health and physical fitness.

His clientele belongs mostly on the group he calls "average everyday people", who in a nutshell want to be in excellent shape, whilst still being lead a conventional life.


Comments

There isn't any comment in this page yet!

Do you want to be the first commenter?


New Comment

Full Name:
E-Mail Address:
Your website (if exists):
Your Comment:
Security code: