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Part Five Other Aspects of Wellness
Although exercise does not solve
problems, it helps relieve tension. When
exercising, your thoughts focus on the
physical activity rather than school
or family pressures, 15-5. Following a
workout, you are likely to feel mentally
refreshed. You will be more prepared
to cope with day-to-day problems.
For adults, exercise can help reduce
feelings of depression. For older adults,
the benefi ts of daily exercise include
improved cognitive functioning.
Regular physical activity can help to
maintain or enhance various aspects of
perception, thinking, and reasoning in
older adults.
What Is Total
Fitness?
Is a weight lifter who has diffi -
culty running a mile physically fi t?
How would you rate the fi tness of a
distance runner who can only manage
two push-ups? Total fi tness involves
more than being strong or fast. There
are many aspects to physical fi tness.
Someone who has athletic skill will not
necessarily be fi t in all areas. However,
striving for at least a moderate level of
fi tness in each area will promote good
health and athletic performance.
Health Components of
Physical Fitness
Five major components are used to
measure the impact of physical fi tness
on your health. They are cardiorespi-
ratory fi tness, muscular endurance,
strength, fl exibility, and body compo-
sition. Being fi t in each of these areas
reduces your risk for certain health
problems, including heart disease and
certain cancers. It also improves your
body’s ability to perform its various
functions.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness
The greatest sign of good
health is cardiorespiratory fi tness.
Cardiorespiratory fi tness is measured
by the body’s ability to take in adequate
amounts of oxygen. It is also evaluated
by the body’s ability to carry oxygen
effi ciently through the blood to body
cells. It involves the effi ciency of your
lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
Aerobic activities are especially
good for building cardiorespiratory
fi tness. Throughout an aerobic activity,
your heart and lungs should be able
to supply all the oxygen your muscles
need. Health benefi ts increase as your
15-5 Exercise can relieve tension and
improve mental outlook.