However, it is within your power to change and improve the others where needed. The Four Components Of Physical Fitness Physical fitness is most easily understood by examining its components. According to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, there is widespread agreement that these four components are the basics. Cardiorespiratory endurance or the body's 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 used to assess cardiorespiratory endurance.
Muscular strength is the ability of a muscle to exert force for a brief period of time.
Muscular endurance is the ability of a muscle, or a 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. How often, how long and how hard you exercise, and what kinds of exercises you do need to be determined by what you are trying to accomplish for yourself and not others. Your fitness goals, present fitness level, age, health, skills, interest and convenience are among the factors you should consider.