Chapter 15 Staying Physically Active: A Way of Life
359
to burn even more calories. Along with
a low-fat diet, exercise is a key factor in
achieving and maintaining a healthy
body composition.
You will not see changes in body
composition after a single workout.
Over time, however, you will notice
an increase in lean body tissue and a
decrease in body fat. Cross-country
skiing, racquetball, soccer, and other
aerobic exercises are among the sports
that are especially good for controlling
body fatness, 15-8.
Skill Components of
Physical Fitness
There are six skill components of
physical fi tness. They are power, agility,
balance, coordination, speed, and reaction
time. For some people, strength in these
components seems to come naturally.
However, most people can work to
improve their ability in these areas.
Having a high level of the various
skill components can improve your
performance in certain sports. You are
more likely to take part in activities when
you are confi dent in your performance.
Therefore, developing your skill compo-
nents can motivate you to be active. This,
in turn, can bring you the benefi ts that
come from an active lifestyle.
Skill-related fi tness can benefi t you
in everyday activities as well as sports.
For instance, having good balance,
agility, and coordination can help you
avoid accidents. Older people who have
these skills are less likely to fall and
experience the problems of injury.
If you lack some of the skill compo-
nents, keep in mind many activities
do not require all of them. Such activi-
ties include walking, bicycling, and
swimming laps. Maintaining an active
lifestyle, regardless of the type of activity,
is the key to a positive health status.
15-8 Biking helps maintain a healthy
body composition because it builds muscle
while burning fat.
Sanitizing Sports Equipment
If you work out at the school gym or a fitness center,
be sure to sanitize your sports equipment before and
after use. To prevent disease transmittal, use sanitizing
wipes or solution and wipe down such surfaces as
handles for treadmills, stationary bikes, stair climbers,
and rowing machines; floor and wall exercise mats; free
weights; weights and lifting bar; and lifting benches.
Wellness Tip