Physical Fitness (Leaving Cert Physical Education): Revision Notes

Physical Fitness

Exercise decreases the risk of conditions such as heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and osteoporosis.

There are two types of fitness:

1. Health-related fitness
2. Performance-related fitness

1. Health-related fitness

Health-related fitness focuses on improving overall health and well-being.

• It ensures the ability to perform everyday task with becoming overly tired.
• It includes components such as cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength and flexibility.
• Aim: prevent disease and improve quality of life. Example: Regular physical activity and a healthy diet reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, thereby improving overall longevity and life quality.

2. Performance-related fitness

Performance-related fitness focuses on improving physical performance in specific sports.

• It includes components like balance, coordination, speed, and reaction time. Example: A gymnast focuses on developing coordination and balance through beam routines, improving power through vault exercises, and enhancing agility with floor routines to achieve smoother and more efficient movements during competitions.