Physical Development
With sports and athletics, excellent physical condition is essential for peak performance. To perform at a maximum level, an athlete must be in great physical shape. Our physical development section addresses caring for and developing our physical bodies. The section provides information on ways to improve physical fitness. The section is comprised of various elements including nutrition, fitness, and relaxation. The nutrition section centers on healthy choices which provide nutrition and energy as well as getting the correct amount of vitamins, nutrients, and proteins in our diet. The fitness element is about building our body’s endurance, flexibility, mobility, strength, and other components.
The components of physical fitness include:
- Cardiovascular endurance
- Muscle endurance
- Strength
- Speed
- Power
- Flexibility
- Body composition
- Agility
- Balance
- Coordination
- Mobility (joint)
- Reflexes and Reaction Time
To perform at our best, we should engage in a balanced fitness program to build our body’s endurance, flexibility, mobility, and strength. Endurance can be improved through running and aerobic exercise. Flexibility can be enhanced by stretching muscles so the body can better handle strain without tearing. Flexibility programs such as Yoga can also teach relaxation techniques. Strength is increased through resistance exercise that increases the body’s ability to perform the physical exertion. The best fitness programs do not just focus on a single component, but rather incorporate several components as well as a nutrition element.