Fitness

The concept of fitness can have both mental and physical connotations.  Physical fitness is oftentimes separated into two classifications, namely general and specific.  General fitness refers to the overall health and well-being of the individual.  Specific fitness is defined as being task-oriented in nature and targeting certain specific physical abilities in order to perform in an occupational sense or from a sports standpoint.

Physical fitness is also characteristically based on the capacities of certain areas of the body, e.g. the blood vessels, heart, lungs, and muscles.  However, it is oftentimes divided into the following categories:

• accuracy
• agility
• balance
• body composition
• cardiovascular endurance
• coordination
• flexibility/range of motion
• power
• speed
• stamina
• strength

Mental fitness usually relates to an individual’s mental health, specifically in the areas of emotional and psychological well-being.  The World Health Organization states that there is no one specific definition of mental fitness and mental health.  Competitive professional theory, cultural differences, and subjective assessments all affect how the terminologies are defined.

Emotional, psychological, and even social facets of the general population can have both a direct as well as an indirect impact on a person’s mental makeup.  However, there must be a balance emotionally, physically, and socially in order for an individual’s overall health to be in good “working” condition.