Being a Health and
Fitness Professional, it is my job to understand terms and definitions which
are commonplace to this industry, as well to keep abreast of evolving trends.
Through my experience, I have found that a number of terms deserve a little
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, and to show their respective
distinctions.
Is it simply all in a
name?
The fitness world seems
to use the concept Health Related Fitness like a generic fitness principle -
interchangeable with others like "Physical Fitness", "Health and
Fitness" or simply "Fitness."
While all of these
terms can be included under
the broad term Health and Physical Fitness, they individually refer to
different aspects - 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; there is a kind of "generally
accepted" use for them, but individuals often rely on own interpretation,
and this can lead to confusion.
With that said, does
Health Related Fitness simply infer fitness by means of good health? Not quite.
That is why we need to understand a little more behind these words before
digesting the definition.
How did the
term Health Related Physical Fitness come about?
That is a good
question. One could probably ask what is this concept
all about - can we not simply use the terms "Fitness" or
"Physical Fitness" instead?"Â Why Health
"Related"?
The main reason stems
from the fact that most health and fitness terms are used inconsistently and
often refer 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 among the general American
public. Studies and initiatives required standardization among clinicians,
health practitioners and fitness trainers to grapple with the task at hand.
Enter "Health Related Physical Fitness", a working term to address
the general state of health among the public.
The definition of
Health Related Fitness
According to the
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the main authority in this field,
ineffective definitions with unclear and subjective wordings, as well as
definitions containing terms which themselves require defining, have
contributed to confusing the term "Physical Fitness."
There exists no
reliable guide for Health and Fitness Professionals to measure "Physical
Fitness", because the term has been so loosely and inconsistently defined.
It is therefore that
one should consider the concept of Health Related Fitness. The definition therefore
centers on the 5 Components of Physical Fitness
which relate to "good health."Â These Components
are:
·       Â
Cardiorespiratory
Fitness
·       Â
Body Composition
·       Â
Flexibility
·       Â
Muscular Strength
·       Â
Muscular Endurance
On the other hand, Skill Related Fitness Components
are:
·       Â
Balance
·       Â
Reaction Time
·       Â
Coordination
·       Â
Agility
·       Â
Speed
·       Â
Power
According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), the definition of Physical Fitness emphasizes the difference between Health Related Physical Fitness and
Athletic Ability Physical Fitness. Its point-of-departure is the
"health" of the US nation, which is often referred to as the
"public health perspective." In that respect, the 5 Health Related
Fitness Components are more important than those related to Athletic Ability
(or Skill Related Components).
Although the concept of
Health Related Fitness has an integral association with "good
health", the 5 Components are addressed individually by health professionals to allow for their
measurement.
Now that we have a
deeper understanding of the term, what purpose does it serve?
Continuing from where
the definition left off, the objective of measuring the 5 Components is to
advise clients about their own particular Health Related Fitness, and to use
data obtained from the tests to design appropriate exercise programs which can
then be evaluated.
The 5 Components
contribute evenly to make up a holistic Health Related Fitness, which is of
direct interest to the health of the ordinary citizen, in that the concept is
normative. In other words, it is a standard which allows for consistent application.
It is therefore
important for those working in the health and fitness industry not to mistake "overall physical fitness"
with "Health Related Physical fitness."
To conclude, let us
consider this distinction between Physical Fitness and Health Related Fitness
One needs to bear in
mind that regular physical exercise can improve overall Physical Fitness, as
well as Health Related 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.
This is where the
"rubber hits the road." The guidelines set out by the ACSM enable
health professionals to work with clients to assess and measure their response
to exercise and prescribe appropriate exercise programs. A client's progress
can then be monitored and adjusted where necessary in order to obtain the
desired fitness goals.
Cleto Tirabassi is 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 use
of practical, flexible and sustainable methods to achieve optimal levels of
health and physical fitness.
His clientele belongs
mostly to the group he calls "average everyday people", who in short
want to be in excellent shape, yet still lead a conventional life.
Based in Rome, Italy -
he is dedicated to guiding the individuals he works with to realize their
health and fitness goals. He also understands that the health and fitness
industry is constantly evolving and therefore maintains a close watch on trends
in his field of expertise.
