It seems like a frustratingly simple question...until you think about it. So, like most people, I turned to Google. Understanding that you can't always trust our good friend google, I then looked to other sources to back my own commentary.
1. The condition of being physically fit and healthy. "disease and lack of fitness are closely related"
synonyms:good health, strength, robustness, vigor, athleticism, toughness,physical fitness, muscularity;
Well, that's a pretty standard definition. Here's the struggle: Health is about much more than being "disease free." It's a complex state of being that includes organ health, mental health, dental health, proper nutrition, and yes...being generally disease free. This article from BBC sums this point us beautifully. And, just a note, our dear friend Google sneaks the word "fit" into the definition of "fitness" which, as I learned in the 7th grade, IS REALLY NO HELP AT ALL.
This is what I propose. "Fitness" in relationship to health is guided by some important medical principles including vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, etc), general psychological well-being, and a lifestyle that supports proper nutrition and physical vitality. However, medical professionals are the only people that can truly assess fitness in relationship to health for each individual.
2. The quality of being suitable to fulfill a particular role or task.
"he had a year in which to establish his fitness for the office"
synonyms:suitability, capability, competence, ability, aptitude;
This is my favorite definition, because it leads us to the idea of functional movement. Fitness is different for each person, because they need to be fit for different things. We develop the muscles and movement systems that help us to effectively execute demands of daily living. Functional movement can be as simple as feeling physically prepared to sit, stand, lift, carry, twist, throw, or provide bear hugs to loved ones. Functional movement can also be used as a term to describe what is functional for the roles people choose to adopt. For example, in the daily life of an olympic weight lifter he/she/ze likely lifts heavy loads - that is functional training for that person's activities of daily living. On a sillier note, as a Zumba instructor, it is entirely functional for me to do activities that enable me to booty shake and yell commands simultaneously.
Let me now tell you what fitness is NOT - it's usually much easier.
Fitness is not determined by pounds
Fitness is not determined by shape
Fitness is not determined by size
Fitness is not restricted to mental health
Fitness is not restricted to physical health
Fitness is not simple
Fitness cannot be seen, only felt.
In sum: Fitness is complicated and complex. Fitness is guided by general principles for mental and physical health. Fitness is different for each person depending on the tasks they intend to carry out.
1. The condition of being physically fit and healthy. "disease and lack of fitness are closely related"
synonyms:good health, strength, robustness, vigor, athleticism, toughness,physical fitness, muscularity;
Well, that's a pretty standard definition. Here's the struggle: Health is about much more than being "disease free." It's a complex state of being that includes organ health, mental health, dental health, proper nutrition, and yes...being generally disease free. This article from BBC sums this point us beautifully. And, just a note, our dear friend Google sneaks the word "fit" into the definition of "fitness" which, as I learned in the 7th grade, IS REALLY NO HELP AT ALL.
This is what I propose. "Fitness" in relationship to health is guided by some important medical principles including vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, etc), general psychological well-being, and a lifestyle that supports proper nutrition and physical vitality. However, medical professionals are the only people that can truly assess fitness in relationship to health for each individual.
2. The quality of being suitable to fulfill a particular role or task.
"he had a year in which to establish his fitness for the office"
synonyms:suitability, capability, competence, ability, aptitude;
This is my favorite definition, because it leads us to the idea of functional movement. Fitness is different for each person, because they need to be fit for different things. We develop the muscles and movement systems that help us to effectively execute demands of daily living. Functional movement can be as simple as feeling physically prepared to sit, stand, lift, carry, twist, throw, or provide bear hugs to loved ones. Functional movement can also be used as a term to describe what is functional for the roles people choose to adopt. For example, in the daily life of an olympic weight lifter he/she/ze likely lifts heavy loads - that is functional training for that person's activities of daily living. On a sillier note, as a Zumba instructor, it is entirely functional for me to do activities that enable me to booty shake and yell commands simultaneously.
Let me now tell you what fitness is NOT - it's usually much easier.
Fitness is not determined by pounds
Fitness is not determined by shape
Fitness is not determined by size
Fitness is not restricted to mental health
Fitness is not restricted to physical health
Fitness is not simple
Fitness cannot be seen, only felt.
In sum: Fitness is complicated and complex. Fitness is guided by general principles for mental and physical health. Fitness is different for each person depending on the tasks they intend to carry out.