Essential Components of Physical Fitness and Human Systems

Understanding Physical Abilities

Aerobic Resistance

Aerobic resistance is an effort where the oxygen reaching the working muscles is sufficient to perform the exercise. This should be of moderate intensity, such as cycling.

Anaerobic Resistance

Anaerobic resistance occurs when muscles demand more oxygen, leading to increased blood flow. However, if the exercise is very intense, oxygen supply becomes insufficient, eventually leading to exhaustion. These efforts are performed with an oxygen deficit or total lack thereof, are very intense, and are of short duration.

Defining Strength

Strength is defined as the ability of our body to overcome or oppose resistance by using muscle tension caused by the concentration of muscle fibers.

• Maximum Strength

  The ability to generate the maximum tension in a muscle contraction.

• Explosive Strength

  The ability to overcome very large loads with maximum movement speed.

• Strength Endurance

  The ability to sustain an activity requiring force for a long time and resist the fatigue it causes.

Exploring Flexibility

Flexibility is defined as the maximum range of motion in a given joint.

• Absolute Flexibility

  Related to the maximum capacity of a joint's motion.

• Working Flexibility

  The degree of motion required to successfully execute a technique.

• Residual Flexibility

  The level of movement, always superior to the working flexibility, that an athlete must develop to prevent stiffness and injuries.

Mastering Speed

Speed is the ability to perform various movements in the minimum time possible.

• Reaction Speed

  The length of time from the appearance of a stimulus to the execution of muscle contraction. This includes simple and discriminative reactions.

• Contractile Speed

  The ability of a muscle fiber to contract in the minimum time possible.

• Displacement Speed

  The ability to travel a short distance in the minimum possible time.

Essential Body Systems

• Management and Control Systems

  Formed by the nervous system, which determines the most appropriate motor response based on information obtained through the senses.

• Motion System

  Part of the locomotor system, where movement is produced by the contraction of muscles acting on joints and bones.

• Nutrient and Transport System

  Part of the digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems, where food is transformed into energy and air is distributed throughout the body.