Training & fitness · Both

Components of Fitness

Different sports demand different fitness components. Match training to the needs of the activity.

Health-related

Cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, body composition.

Skill-related

Agility, balance, coordination, power, reaction time, speed. Example: a gymnast needs flexibility, balance and power; a marathon runner prioritises cardiovascular endurance.

Worked example

Which component is critical for a 100 m sprinter?

Solution: Speed and power (plus reaction time at the start).

Practice questions

1. Name three health-related components.

2. Name three skill-related components.