Physical fitness is to the human body what fine tuning is to an engine. It enables us to perform up to our potential. Fitness can be described as a condition that helps us look, feel and do our best. More specifically, it is the "ability of the human body to function with vigor and alertness, without undue fatigue, and with ample energy to engage in leisure activities. (Physical)."
             Physical fitness involves the performance of the heart and lungs, and the muscles of the body. And, since what we do with our bodies also affects what we can do with our minds, fitness influences to some degree qualities such as mental alertness and emotional stability.
             Physical fitness is most easily understood by examining the four basic parts: Cardiorespiratory Endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility. Cardiorespiratory Endurance is the ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and to remove wastes over sustained periods of time. Long runs and swims are among the methods employed in measuring this component. Muscular strength is the ability of a muscle to exert force for a brief period of time. Upper body strength, for example, can be measured by various weight-lifting exercises. Muscular endurance is the ability of a muscle, or group of muscles, to sustain repeated contractions or to continue applying force against a fixed object. Pushups are often used to test endurance of arm and shoulder muscles. And flexibility is the ability to move joints and use muscles through their full range of motion. The sit and reach is a good measure of flexibility of the lower back and back of the upper legs.
             Physical fitness and the decision to carry out a physical fitness program should not be taken lightly. It requires a lifelong commitment of time and effort. Exercise must become one of those things that is done without question, like bathing and brushing your teeth. Patience is essential. A person mus...