Understanding the Definition of MEDICAL Fitness
Being a Health Professional, it is my job to understand terms and definitions which are commonplace to the industry, as well to keep up to date with evolving trends. Through my experience, I've found that a number of terms deserve a bit more clarification than that which they are granted.
Aside from clarifying the definition of Health Related Fitness, this article intends to shed some light on a few of the associated terms, also to show their respective distinctions.
Could it be simply all in a name?
The fitness world seems to use the concept Health Related Fitness just like a generic fitness principle - interchangeable with others like "Physical Fitness", "Health" or just "Fitness."
While most of these terms could be included under the broad term Health insurance and CONDITIONING, they individually refer to different facets - both generic and specific. Unfortunately, references to these and other fitness-related terms are often vague, while consistency in their intended use is meager at best; you will find a kind of "generally accepted" use for them, but individuals often depend on own interpretation, which can lead to confusion.
Having said that, does Health Related Fitness simply infer fitness by means of good health? Nearly. That is why we must understand a bit more behind these words before digesting this is.
How did the word Health Related Physical Fitness come about?
That is clearly a good question. You can probably ask what's this concept all about - can we not simply use the terms "Fitness" or "Physical Fitness" instead?" Why Health "Related"?
The main reason is due to the truth that most health and fitness terms are used inconsistently and often make reference to different concepts or notions. Subsequent to the 1996 report from the US Surgeon General (Physical Activity and Health; a report of the Surgeon General), there was a move to try and address the alarming rise in obesity levels on the list of general American public. Studies and initiatives required standardization among clinicians, health practitioners and fitness trainers to grapple with the duty accessible. Enter "Health Related Physical Fitness", an operating term to address the general state of health on the list of public.
The definition of Health Related Fitness
Based on the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the primary authority in this field, ineffective definitions with unclear and subjective wordings, in addition to definitions containing terms which themselves require defining, have contributed to confusing the word "Physical Fitness."
There exists no reliable guide for Health Professionals to measure "Physical Fitness", because the term has been so loosely and inconsistently defined. Hence, it is that one should think about the concept of Health Related Fitness. This is therefore centers on the 5 The different parts of Physical Fitness which relate to "good health." These Components are:
Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Body Composition
Flexibility
Muscular Strength
Muscular Endurance
On the other hand, Skill Related Fitness Components are:
Balance
Reaction Time
Coordination
Agility
Speed
Power
In line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the definition of CONDITIONING emphasizes the difference between MEDICAL Physical Fitness and Athletic Ability CONDITIONING. Its point-of-departure is the "health" of the US nation, which is often referred to as the "public health perspective." Due to that, the 5 MEDICAL Fitness Components tend to be more important than those linked to Athletic Ability (or Skill Related Components).
Although the concept of Health Related Fitness comes with an integral association with "good health", the 5 Components are addressed individually by health professionals to allow for their measurement.
Now that we've a deeper understanding of the term, what purpose does it serve?
Continuing from where the definition left off, the aim of measuring the 5 Components would be to advise clients about their very own particular MEDICAL Fitness, also to use data obtained from the tests to design appropriate exercise programs that may then be evaluated.
The 5 Components contribute evenly to make up a holistic Health Related Fitness, which is of direct interest to the fitness of the ordinary citizen, in that the concept is normative. Basically, it is just a standard that allows for consistent application.
You can find out more is therefore important for those working in the health and fitness industry never to mistake "overall conditioning" with "Health Related Physical fitness."
To conclude, let us consider this distinction between CONDITIONING and MEDICAL Fitness
One needs to be aware that regular exercise can improve overall Physical Fitness, as well as MEDICAL Fitness. However, overall fitness is a generic term and is up to subjective interpretation, while Health Related Fitness can be assessed.
The distinction therefore, between these two terms, exists in that Health Related Physical Fitness can be measured according to a set of established comparative norms.
That's where the "rubber hits the road." The guidelines set out by the ACSM enable medical researchers to work with clients to assess and measure their reaction to exercise and prescribe appropriate exercise programs. A client's progress may then be monitored and adjusted where necessary as a way to obtain the desired fitness goals.
Cleto Tirabassi is really a certified Fitness Trainer with the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).
His work centers on the "sensible approach" to Health Related Fitness, which entails the application of practical, flexible and sustainable methods to achieve optimal degrees of health and conditioning.
His clientele belongs mostly to the group he calls "average everyday people", who in a nutshell desire to be in excellent shape, yet still lead the standard life.