VIII.2. The notion of fitness

Fitness is defined as a general state of health and well being and people’s ability to become mentally and physically healthy and maintain good condition. It is generally achieved through correct nutrition, resisting and giving up harmful habits. The factors that are related to how well the systems of our body work are also affected by our social and cultural environment.

The basic condition of physical fitness is healthy way of life. Motor capabilities greatly contribute to the achievement of physical fitness.

Table 2. Components of physical capabilities

Physical fitness is a measure of overall health and physical strength. A physically fit person is able to adapt to increased mental and physical work, thus he/she also becomes socially competent.   If we approach this issue from the perspective of competitive and elite sports physical fitness presupposes optimal training status and high achievement and performance.

Physical fitness can also be examined by capability tests, the actual mental and skeletal muscle conditions as well as body composition and cardio-respiratory activities.