Fitness /// Update
YURI ARCURS / ALAMY
FITNESS NEWS
From fat to fit Over the next few issues, Active’s health and fitness expert Mark Gordon will be putting together a programme that will help you get fit, live more healthily and eat better too. But first, the basics of fitness THE FOUNDATIONS AND COMPONENTS OF FITNESS
I thought it was only right in the first issue to lay down the foundations of fitness. After all, once we understand the individual elements, we can then follow the components that best suit your activities and work towards programs of fitness. Fitness is defined in many different ways and its meaning can become an exhaustive list. However ‘total fitness’ or ‘wellness’ is now often used and can be interpreted as ‘Striving for optimal quality of life including social, mental, spiritual, and physical components’(i.e. strength) but will be made up of various components. Basic fitness can be classified in four main components: strength, speed, stamina and flexibility. However, exercise scientists have identified nine components that comprise the definition of fitness:
STRENGTH
The extent to which muscles can exert force by contracting against resistance (e.g. holding or restraining an object or person).
POWER
The ability to exert maximum muscular contraction instantly in an explosive burst of movements. The two components of power are strength and speed. (e.g. jumping or a sprint start).
AGILITY
The ability to perform a series of explosive power movements in rapid succession in opposing directions (e.g. Zig-zag running or cutting movements).
BALANCE
The ability to control the body’s position, either stationary (e.g. a handstand) or while moving (e.g. a gymnastics stunt).
FLEXIBILITY
The ability to achieve an extended range of motion without being impeded by fat or muscle.
LOCAL MUSCLE ENDURANCE
A single muscle’s ability to perform sustained work (e.g. rowing or cycling).
CARDIOVASCULAR ENDURANCE
The heart’s ability to deliver blood to working muscles and their ability to use it (e.g. running long distances).
STRENGTH ENDURANCE
A muscle’s ability to perform a maximum contraction time after time (e.g. continuous explosive rebounding through an entire basketball game).
CO-ORDINATION
The ability to integrate the above listed components so that effective movements are achieved.
NEXT MONTH, we’ll start breaking these down and
I’ll show you how you can test yourself against the ‘components’ of fitness and how to choose which of these you should focus on the for your sport.
MARK GORDON, Mark@fitness2health.co.uk, www.fitness2health.co.uk FACEBOOK: Mark FitnessTrainer
BARNSDALE HALL OFFERS TASTER FITNESS SESSIONS Barnsdale Hall Hotel Leisure Club is offering sample membership for a reduced trial price over the summer. For £60 those signing up will receive six consecutive weeks of unlimited membership, allowing them to enjoy the luxurious facilities. The club features a 22-metre heated indoor swimming pool, two spas, sauna, steam room, five tennis courts, 18-hole crazy golf, nine-hole pitch and putt, all weather boules green and, of course, the fully equipped, state-of-theart gymnasium. Being attached to Barnsdale Hall Hotel will also allow people to enjoy a well-earned drink or light meal or snack in the Brasserie Restaurant and Bar with outside Terrace overlooking Rutland Water. Leisure club manager Andy Rudkin said: ‘This is an excellent one-off opportunity for people to come and try us out as it’s very rare that we open the club up to such a fantastic offer. ‘We truly believe our facilities are easily the best in the area and it’s time to show them off.’ For more information on this offer contact the club on 01572 771314. OVER 50s MORNING AT CATMOSE Catmose Sports Centre in Oakham is offering the over-50s a sport and fitness session every Wednesday morning from 930-1130am. Sports to take part in include badminton, short tennis and table tennis. Costing £3 for non members and £2 for members, the price Includes a coffee house voucher too. Call 01572 490030 for more information.
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23/06/2012 13:30