Understanding the Definition of Health Related Fitness
Being a Professional, it is my job to Understanding the Definition of Health Related Fitness which are commonplace to this industry, as well to keep abreast of evolving trends. Through my experience, I have found that a number of terms deserve a little more clarification than that which they are granted.
Aside from clarifying the definition of Health Related Fitness, this article intends to shed some light on a few of the associated terms, and to show their respective distinctions.
The following list will be used in order to clarify these concepts:
• Physical Activity – The act or process by which energy is expended through physical movement. This can also include other forms of exercise such as running, swimming, cycling etc.
• Exercise – A planned activity designed to improve one’s health and fitness level.
• Aerobic Exercise – Any type of physical activity involving large muscle groups where oxygen consumption increases with intensity. Anaerobic exercises performed at low intensities for short periods of time. These types of movements focus primarily on building strength rather than endurance.
It includes activities like jogging, climbing stairs, dancing, playing tennis, basketball, soccer, volleyball, squash, golf, skiing, rowing, biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, water aerobics, weight lifting, calisthenics, yoga, tai chi, kickboxing, martial arts, dance classes, aerobic gymnastics, The options are endless.
Table of Contents Understanding the Definition of Health Related Fitness
Is it simply all in a name?
The fitness world seems to use the concept Health Related Fitness like a generic fitness principle – interchangeable with others like “Physical Fitness”, “Health and Fitness” or simply “Fitness.”
While all of these terms can be included under the broad term Health and Physical Fitness, they individually refer to different aspects — both generic and specific.
Unfortunately, references to these and other fitness-related terms are often vague, while consistency in their intended use is meager at best; there is a kind of “generally accepted” use for them, but individuals often rely on their own interpretation, and this can lead to confusion.
With that said, does Health Related Fitness simply infer fitness by means of good health? Not quite. That is why we need to understand a little more behind these words before digesting the definition. What exactly do you mean when you say “health related”?
In general, the word ‘fitness’ refers to an individual’s ability to perform certain tasks efficiently. It may also imply being able to keep oneself physically fit over a period of time.
In addition, it implies having sufficient stamina to carry out daily routine activities. However, what constitutes ‘good health’, and how much of it should be required before someone qualifies as ‘fit’?
How did the term Health Related Physical Fitness come about?
That is a good question. One could probably ask what is this concept all about – can we not simply use the terms “Fitness” or “Physical Fitness” instead?” Why Health “Related”?
The main reason stems from the fact that most health and fitness terms are used inconsistently and often refer to different concepts or notions. Subsequent to the 1996 report from the US Surgeon General (Physical Activity and Health; a report of the Surgeon General), there was a move to try and address the alarming rise in obesity levels among the general American public.
Studies and initiatives required standardization among clinicians, health practitioners and fitness trainers to grapple with the task at hand. Enter “Health Related Physical Fitness”, a working term to address the general state of health among the public.
The definition of Health Related Fitness
According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the main authority in this field, ineffective definitions with unclear and subjective wordings, as well as definitions containing terms which themselves require defining, have contributed to confusing the term “Physical Fitness.”
There exists no reliable guide for Health and Fitness Professionals to measure “Physical Fitness”, because the term has been so loosely and inconsistently defined. It is therefore that one should consider the concept of Health Related Fitness. The definition therefore centers on the 5 Components of Physical Fitness which relate to “good health.” These Components are:
Although the concept of Health Related Fitness has an integral association with “good health”, the 5 Components are addressed individually by health professionals to allow for their measurement.
Now that we have a deeper understanding of the term, what purpose does it serve?
That is a good question. One could probably ask what this concept is all about – can we not simply use the terms “Fitness” or “Physical Fitness” instead?” Why Health “Related”?
The main reason stems from the fact that most health and fitness terms are used inconsistently and often refer to different concepts or notions. After the 1996 report from the US Surgeon General (Physical Activity and Health; a report of the Surgeon General), there was a move to try and address the alarming rise in obesity levels among the general American public.
Studies and initiatives require standardization among clinicians, health practitioners and fitness trainers to grapple with the task at hand. Enter “Health Related Physical Fitness”, a working term to address the general state of health among the public.
This new term has been adopted by many organizations, including the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In turn, various government agencies have started using the term too. For example, the CDC uses the term ‘physical activity guidelines’ to describe its recommendations regarding physical exercise.
What is meant by Health Related Physical Fitness?
According to the NIH:
“A person who meets current standards of health is considered healthy. A person whose overall level of health is poor is considered unhealthy.”
This statement makes sense if one considers the following points:
1) The body needs adequate nutrition to function properly. If your diet lacks essential nutrients, then you will suffer ill effects such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headaches, etc.
2) Your immune system must work well enough so that you don’t get sick frequently. When your immunity weakens, you become vulnerable to infections which might even result in death.
3) You require proper sleep patterns to maintain optimal mental performance. Lack of sleep leads to irritability, lack of concentration, memory loss, etc.
4) Proper breathing pattern helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate. Poor respiration results in low energy levels, lethargy, headache, muscle pain, etc.
To conclude, let us consider this distinction between Physical Fitness and Health Related Fitness
According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the main authority in this field, ineffective definitions with unclear and subjective wordings, as well as definitions containing terms which themselves require defining, have contributed to confusing the term “Physical Fitness.”
There exists no reliable guide for Health and Fitness Professionals to measure “Physical Fitness”, because the term has been so loosely and inconsistently defined. It is therefore that one should consider the concept of Health Related Fitness. The definition therefore centers on the 5 Components of Physical Fitness which relate to “good health.” These Components are:
Although the concept of Health Related Fitness has an integral association with “good health”, the 5 Components are addressed individually by health professionals to allow for their measurement. This will help us better grasp the meaning of the term.
1) Cardiovascular Endurance – A measure of cardiovascular endurance involves measuring heart rate during exercise, blood pressure, oxygen consumption, etc., and comparing those results against age norms.
2) Muscular Strength & Flexibility – Measures muscular strength and flexibility through various tests such as push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, squats, lunges, planks, crunches, leg lifts, shoulder raises, back extensions, abdominal curls,
It serves two purposes. Firstly, it allows people who wish to improve their physical condition to do so without being confused by vague terminology. Secondly, it provides a common language between healthcare providers and fitness experts.
Now that we have a deeper understanding of the term, what purpose does it serve?
Continuing from where the definition left off, the objective of measuring the 5 Components is to advise clients about their own particular Health Related Fitness, and to use data obtained from the tests to design appropriate exercise programs which can then be evaluated. This process requires the following steps:
• Measurement — Obtain baseline measurements using standardized equipment and protocols.
• Interpretation — Analyze the results and determine if they fall within normal ranges. If not, interpret them according to your client’s needs.
• Designing Exercise Programs — Based upon interpretation, create customized exercise plans designed specifically for each individual.
• Evaluation — Evaluate progress over time based on changes observed in the measured components. In order to achieve these goals, there must exist a clear set of standards or guidelines to follow when performing any test.
In other words, all testing procedures need to be consistent across individuals and institutions. To ensure consistency, the ACSM recommends the use of specific instruments and methods. For example, the 6 Minute Walk Test uses a stopwatch while the Sit Up Test measures how many times someone can perform 50 sit ups in 60 seconds.
The ACSM also suggests that certain parameters be considered before beginning any type of activity. When designing exercise programs, it is important to take into account factors like current level of conditioning, medical history, medications, injuries, etc.
In summary, the goal of Health Related Fitness is to provide guidance regarding our clients’ overall well-being.
By doing this, we hope to promote good health and prevent disease. We believe that everyone should strive towards achieving optimal levels of Health Related Fitness.
However, due to differences in body composition, genetics, lifestyle choices, environment, etc., some may require more than others.
Therefore, we encourage you to work closely with your physician to develop personalized exercise regimens tailored to meet your unique requirements.
References
The 5 Components contribute evenly to make up a holistic Health Related Fitness, which is of direct interest to the health of the ordinary citizen, in that the concept is normative. In other words, it is a standard which allows for consistent application.
It is therefore important for those working in the health and fitness industry not to mistake “overall physical fitness” with “Health Related Physical fitness.”
To conclude, let us consider this distinction between Physical Fitness and Health Related Fitness
That is a good question. One could probably ask what this concept is all about – can we not simply use the terms “Fitness” or “Physical Fitness” instead?” Why Health “Related”?
The main reason stems from the fact that most health and fitness terms are used inconsistently and often refer to different concepts or notions. After the 1996 report from the US Surgeon General (Physical Activity and Health; a report of the Surgeon General), there was a move to try and address the alarming rise in obesity levels among the general American public.
Studies and initiatives require standardization among clinicians, health practitioners and fitness trainers to grapple with the task at hand. Enter “Health Related Physical Fitness”, a working term to address the general state of health among the public.
This new term has been adopted by many organizations, including the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In turn, various government agencies have started using the term too. For example, the CDC uses the term ‘physical activity guidelines’ to describe its recommendations regarding physical exercise.
What is meant by Health Related Physical Fitness?
According to the NIH:
“A person who meets current standards of health is considered healthy. A person whose overall level of health is poor is considered unhealthy.”
This statement makes sense if one considers the following points:
1) The body needs adequate nutrition to function properly. If your diet lacks essential nutrients, then you will suffer ill effects such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headaches, etc.
2) Your immune system must work well enough so that you don’t get sick frequently. When your immunity weakens, you become vulnerable to infections which might even result in death.
3) You require proper sleep patterns to maintain optimal mental performance. Lack of sleep leads to irritability, lack of concentration, memory loss, etc.
4) Proper breathing pattern helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate. Poor respiration results in low energy levels, lethargy, headache, muscle pain, etc.
To conclude, let us consider this distinction between Physical Fitness and Health Related Fitness.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the main authority in this field, ineffective definitions with unclear and subjective wordings, as well as definitions containing terms which themselves require defining, have contributed to confusing the term “Physical Fitness.”
There exists no reliable guide for Health and Fitness Professionals to measure “Physical Fitness”, because the term has been so loosely and inconsistently defined. It is therefore that one should consider the concept of Health Related Fitness. The definition therefore centers on the 5 Components of Physical Fitness which relate to “good health.” These Components are:
Although the concept of Health Related Fitness has an integral association with “good health”, the 5 Components are addressed individually by health professionals to allow for their measurement. This will help us better grasp the meaning of the term.
1) Cardiovascular Endurance – A measure of cardiovascular endurance involves measuring heart rate during exercise, blood pressure, oxygen consumption, etc., and comparing those results against age norms.
2) Muscular Strength & Flexibility – Measures muscular strength and flexibility through various tests such as push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, squats, lunges, planks, crunches, leg lifts, shoulder raises, back extensions, abdominal curls,
It serves two purposes. Firstly, it allows people who wish to improve their physical condition to do so without being confused by vague terminology. Secondly, it provides a common language between healthcare providers and fitness experts.
Now that we have a deeper understanding of the term, what purpose does it serve?
Continuing from where the definition left off, the objective of measuring the 5 Components is to advise clients about their own particular Health Related Fitness, and to use data obtained from the tests to design appropriate exercise programs which can then be evaluated. This process requires the following steps:
• Measurement — Obtain baseline measurements using standardized equipment and protocols.
• Interpretation — Analyze the results and determine if they fall within normal ranges. If not, interpret them according to your client’s needs.
• Designing Exercise Programs — Based upon interpretation, create customized exercise plans designed specifically for each individual.
• Evaluation — Evaluate progress over time based on changes observed in the measured components. In order to achieve these goals, there must exist a clear set of standards or guidelines to follow when performing any test.
In other words, all testing procedures need to be consistent across individuals and institutions. To ensure consistency, the ACSM recommends the use of specific instruments and methods. For example, the 6 Minute Walk Test uses a stopwatch while the Sit Up Test measures how many times someone can perform 50 sit ups in 60 seconds.
The ACSM also suggests that certain parameters be considered before beginning any type of activity. When designing exercise programs, it is important to take into account factors like current level of conditioning, medical history, medications, injuries, etc.
In summary, the goal of Health Related Fitness is to provide guidance regarding our clients’ overall well-being.
By doing this, we hope to promote good health and prevent disease. We believe that everyone should strive towards achieving optimal levels of Health Related Fitness.
However, due to differences in body composition, genetics, lifestyle choices, environment, etc., some may require more than others.
Therefore, we encourage you to work closely with your physician to develop personalized exercise regimens tailored to meet your unique requirements.
References
The 5 Components contribute evenly to make up a holistic Health Related Fitness, which is of direct interest to the health of the ordinary citizen, in that the concept is normative. In other words, it is a standard which allows for consistent application.
It is therefore important for those working in the health and fitness industry not to mistake “overall physical fitness” with “Health Related Physical fitness.”
To conclude, let us consider this distinction between Physical Fitness and Health Related Fitness
Continuing from where the definition left off, the objective of measuring the 5 Components is to advise clients about their own particular Health Related Fitness, and to use data obtained from the tests to design appropriate exercise programs which can then be evaluated. This process requires the following steps:
• Measurement — Obtain baseline measurements using standardized equipment and protocols.
• Interpretation — Analyze the results and determine if they fall within normal ranges. If not, interpret them according to your client’s needs.
• Designing Exercise Programs — Based upon interpretation, create customized exercise plans designed specifically for each individual.
• Evaluation — Evaluate progress over time based on changes observed in the measured components. In order to achieve these goals, there must exist a clear set of standards or guidelines to follow when performing any test.
In other words, all testing procedures need to be consistent across individuals and institutions. To ensure consistency, the ACSM recommends the use of specific instruments and methods. For example, the 6 Minute Walk Test uses a stopwatch while the Sit Up Test measures how many times someone can perform 50 sit ups in 60 seconds.
The ACSM also suggests that certain parameters be considered before beginning any type of activity. When designing exercise programs, it is important to take into account factors like current level of conditioning, medical history, medications, injuries, etc.
In summary, the goal of Health Related Fitness is to provide guidance regarding our clients’ overall well-being.
By doing this, we hope to promote good health and prevent disease. We believe that everyone should strive towards achieving optimal levels of Health Related Fitness.
However, due to differences in body composition, genetics, lifestyle choices, environment, etc., some may require more than others.
Therefore, we encourage you to work closely with your physician to develop personalized exercise regimens tailored to meet your unique requirements.
References
The 5 Components contribute evenly to make up a holistic Health Related Fitness, which is of direct interest to the health of the ordinary citizen, in that the concept is normative. In other words, it is a standard which allows for consistent application.
It is therefore important for those working in the health and fitness industry not to mistake “overall physical fitness” with “Health Related Physical fitness.”
To conclude, let us consider this distinction between Physical Fitness and Health Related Fitness
One needs to bear in mind that regular physical exercise can improve overall Physical Fitness, as well as Health Related Fitness. However, overall fitness is a generic term and is up to subjective interpretation, while Health Related Fitness can be assessed.
The distinction therefore, between these two terms, exists in that Health Related Physical Fitness can be measured according to a set of established comparative norms.
This is where the “rubber hits the road.” The guidelines set out by the ACSM enable health professionals to work with clients to assess and measure their response to exercise and prescribe appropriate exercise programs.
A client’s progress can then be monitored and adjusted where necessary in order to obtain the desired fitness goals. References
