GCSE PE: components of fitness terms & definitions

health

a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity

fitness

the ability to meet the demands of the environment

agility

the ability to move and change directopn quickly, at speed, with control

balance

the ability to keep the body stable by maintaining the centre of mass over the base of support

coordination

the ability to move two or more body parts together, smoothly and efficiently

flexibility

the range of movement possible at a joint

reaction time

the amount of time taken to respond to presentation of a stimulus

speed

the maximum rate at which an individual can perform a movement to cover a set distance

cardiovascular endurance

the ability of the heart and lungs to supply oxygen to the working muscles for a prolonged period of time

muscular endurance

the ability of muscle groups to perform repeated contractions for a prolonged period of time

power

the product of strength and speed (also known as explosive strength)

strength

the ability to overcome resistance

maximal strength

greatest force possible in a single action

static strength

the amount of force exerted against an immoveable object

explosive strength

the amount of force exerted in one quick movement

dynamic strength

the amount of force exerted repeatedly by working muscles