5 Components of Physical Fitness

Many text books talk about the 5 components of physical fitness; these are the health related fitness components.  If you are looking to manage your lower back pain by improving your physical fitness lwalking for physical fitnessevels then they are a good place to start.  There are in fact other components of physical fitness but they are skill related and in my opinion less important in the management of lower back pain.

 

  1. Fitness for your heart and lungs (cardiovascular fitness).


     Improved cardiovascular fitness with a slower heart rate. It also means a greater lung capacity and an improvement in the exchange of oxygen in the tissues. Circulation is improved, in all the tissues of the body, including ligaments and muscles.

  2. Flexibility – the ability to move and bend your body.


    I have talked about the importance of having a strong flexible spine and have suggested some exercises for stretching here.

  3. Strength – Strong, supple muscles


    Strong muscles get tired less easily, are better able to perform tasks whether that is supporting your spine for long periods when sitting or when you are doing more energetic activities like gardening or manual work. See some core stability exercises here.

 

  1. Endurance – The ability to keep going.


    If your muscles tire after a short while they are not able to give you the support you need so you are more vulnerable to injury.

 

  1. Fatness – having greater lean, or muscle, body mass.


    This is important as the more you exercise the greater the chance that your body composition will change and you will have more muscle and less fat. This is a bit controversial with lower back pain as many doctors often blame weight for back pain problems when there are often many reasons for it.  However, there is some evidence that being very overweight contributes to lower back pain.

Do you share one of the 7 most common lower back pain worries?

I often get letters from my readers asking exactly the same questions that my patients ask. Many others share the same worries as you. In this free 7 part e-course I take one question at a time and explain the answers in clear, straightforward language.  I hope knowing that you're not alone and having reliable information will help you manage your back pain.
You can sign up for the free lower back pain answers e-course at this page.

Benefits of Physical Fitness

What is Physical Fitness?

Physical Fitness Hub Page

Lower Back Pain Toolkit Home Page

04-Feb-2011

 

 

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