The Components of Fitness (AQA GCSE Physical Education): Revision Notes

The Components Of Fitness

Type	Explanation	Sports	Fitness Test
❤️ Cardiovascular Fitness: The ability of the heart and lungs to supply oxygen to the working muscles	They need good cardiovascular fitness to be able to maintain a high standard of performance throughout the race/match.	Games players Long distance runners/rowers	Multi stage fitness test
💪 Muscular Endurance: The ability of a muscle group to undergo repeated, contractions, avoiding fatigue	They need a prolonged additional oxygen delivery to the working muscles to repeat muscle contractions over a long period of time without tiring	Cyclist (legs) Boxing (punching) Swimmer (arms/legs)	Sit-up bleep test
🤸🏻 Flexibility: The range of movement possible at a joint	Performers need good flexibility to be able to get into position without getting injured and to perform complex movements	Gymnasts Goalkeepers Divers	Sit and reach
🕝 Reaction Time: The time taken to respond to a stimulus	Performers need to react to a stimulus. A stimulus can include: a ball, whistle, starters gun, or an opponent	Sprinters Badminton players Rugby players	Ruler drop test
🔥 Power: Is the ability to do strength performances quickly Power = Strength x Speed	Performers need power to improve performance. Speed and strength is needed in sports where you throw jump kick and sprint	Shot put Football (kicking) High jump	Vertical jump
💨 Speed: The amount of the time it takes to perform a particular action or cover a particular distance	Performers need speed to get from one position to another. This may be leg speed to run or arm speed when throwing or hitting	Sprinting Badminton Javelin thrower	30m sprint
🏃‍♂️ Agility: Is the ability to change position of the body quickly while maintaining control of the movement	Performers need agility to change direction quickly. This can be used to evade opponents or move around the court or pitch quickly	Rugby side-step Tennis Badminton	Illinois agility run
⚖️ Balance: Is the ability to retain the body's centre of mass above the base of support static or dynamic	Performers need balance so they don't fall over. E.g. in gymnastics when performing a balance (static) or travelling across the beam (dynamic)	Gymnastics Skiing Hammer throw	Stork balance test
🧩 Coordination: Is the ability to use two or more body parts together smoothly and efficiently	Performs need coordination when they are using two body parts at the same time. It can be used when aiming, or striking/hitting a ball	Tennis Archery Football	Wall toss
🏋️‍♂️ Strength: The ability to overcome a resistance. it requires a force to be applied to a muscle or muscle group	Performers need Strength to support weight (static) lifting a weight (maximal) punch (dynamic) throw (explosive)	Weight lifting Rugby Gymnastics	Grip dynamometer 1 rep max test

Benefits of Linking Sport to Fitness

• Health Improvement: Regular participation in sports enhances cardiovascular health, muscular strength, and overall physical fitness.
• Mental Well-being: Sports participation reduces stress, improves mood, and enhances mental health.
• Skill Development: Engaging in sports helps develop specific fitness components, improving performance in various activities.

• Social Interaction: Team sports foster social skills, teamwork, and communication.