What is Fitness?

Fitness Explained

As CrossFitters, we define “fitness” as work capacity across broad time and modal domains. One representation of that would be competency in each of the following 10 realms of physical fitness. As a general physical preparedness (GPP) program, we do not aim to specialize or excel in any one of these categories, but rather be capable in them ALL and increase our work capacity in each. We accomplish the task of increasing our fitness then, by executing “constantly varied functional movements at high intensity”.

1. Cardiovascular/Respiratory Endurance - The ability of the body systems to gather, process, and transport oxygen.

2. Stamina - The ability of the body to process, store, deliver, and utilize energy.

3. Strength - The ability of a muscular unit, or combination of muscular units, to apply force.

4. Flexibility - The ability of maximizing range of motion at a given joint.

5. Power - The ability of a muscular unit, or combination of muscular units, to apply maximum force in minimum time.

6. Speed - The ability to minimize the time cycle of a repeated movement.

7. Coordination - The ability to combine several distinct movement patterns into a singular distinct movement.

8. Agility - The ability to minimize transition time between one movement pattern to another.

9. Accuracy - The ability to control movement in a given direction or at a given intensity.

10. Balance - The ability to control the placement of the body’s center of gravity in relation to it’s support base.

*Special thanks to Mr. Jim Cawley of Dynamax Medicine Balls for this information.