The components of Health-Related Fitness (HRF) are generally defined as five key areas that contribute to overall physical health and the ability to perform daily activities effectively. These components are:
- Cardiorespiratory Endurance : The ability of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels to supply oxygen during sustained physical activity. It reflects how well the cardiovascular and respiratory systems work together to fuel the body over time.
- Muscular Strength : The maximum amount of force a muscle or muscle group can exert in a single effort.
- Muscular Endurance : The ability of muscles to sustain repeated contractions or continue applying force over an extended period.
- Flexibility : The range of motion available at a joint or group of joints, allowing for movement without injury.
- Body Composition : The relative proportions of fat mass to fat-free mass (muscle, bone, water) in the body.
These five components form the theoretical basis of HRF and are used to assess and guide fitness programs aimed at improving health and reducing disease risk
. Some research suggests that in youth, flexibility may contribute less to the overall HRF construct, and a three-component model focusing on cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, and muscular endurance may better represent fitness in that population
. However, the five-component model remains widely accepted for general health-related fitness assessment. In summary, the core HRF components are:
- Cardiorespiratory endurance
- Muscular strength
- Muscular endurance
- Flexibility
- Body composition
