25 Components of Physical Fitness:

The first list I saw of this type was on Crossfit's main site as their criteria for all round fitness: Crossfit's 10 components of fitness.  

As I expanded my scope of what should be included in my reference for of all-round fitness I looked at other properties that I also found important and distinct enough to benefit me and my clients.  My list grew from 10 to 15, 18, 20 and then 21.  

For me training should:

• result in an measureable organic change in the body that wil lead to better being able to perform a physical task;
• improvements in performance that will manifest themselves through practice in areas such as balance, coordination, skill and agility, etc;
• should not just be about working out but also about playing out;
• must include not only physiological, but also mental, nutritional and psychological aspects of fitness.

Revisiting this in the last few days I have now considered 25 properties of fitness that all contribute to the body's ability to tackle demands placed upon it.  I don't believe this list is exhaustive and I am sure I will expand on this in future if I find an additional aspect that will be useful to focus on.

Revised Components of Fitness (25):

1. Accuracy - the ability to control movement in a precise manner. 
2. Agility - the ability to change the body's position quickly in a controlled fashion. 
3. Balance - the ability to control the body's stability whilst moving or stationary regardless of its base of support.
4. Body Composition  - the ability to maintain the optimal ratio of body fat to lean muscle mass. 
5. Cardiovascular Endurance - the ability of the body to gather, process and deliver oxygen.
6. Coordination - the ability to combine several distinct movements to appear as one integrated move.
7. Efficiency - the ability to perform movement with minimal exertion.
8. Exteroception - the ability to respond to stimuli outside the body. 
9. Flexibility  - optimal range of movement at the joints.
10. Flow - the mental state of being completely focussed and engrossed on the task at hand.
11. Function - the ability to perform whatever activity is required.
12. Mindfulness - the ability to be aware, careful and thoughtful about movement.
13. Mobility - the ability to move freely and easily.
14. Muscular Endurance -  the ability of muscles to maintain force production over a period of time. 
15. Posture - the ability to maintain the correct alignment and position of limbs whilst moving or stationary.
16. Power - the ability to exert maximum strength explosively over a given distance.
17. Proprioception - the internal awareness of the body's position in relation to its environment.
18. Recovery Time - the ability for the body to return to it's pre-activity state after exercise.
19. Response Time - the ability to react quickly (and appropriately) to external stimulus. 
20. Skill - the ability to develop gross and fine motor skills to refine technique.
21. Speed - the ability to move as quickly as possible over a given distance. 
22. Stamina - the ability of the body to process, store, and utilize energy. 
23. Strength - the ability to exert a force against resistance (using your own bodyweight or external objects).
24. Strength Endurance - the ability to apply force against resistance for a sustained period of time. 
25. Sustenance - the ability to provide the body with the nutrients required for good health, repair and optimal performance.

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Darryl Edwards