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Male image, naked, arms and legs spread, and a background of a blue tree-like shape.Physical Activity: Introduction

 

Physical activity and fitness is an important addition to everyone's life. Young, old, able-bodied or disabled, people from any cultural background can enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. A well-thought-out physical activity or fitness program can enhance each of the dimensions of health.

An active lifestyle is one of the precursors of total well-being. Low fitness is emerging as one of the most important risk factors predicting premature mortality from all causes. Low fitness is as important, or in some cases more important, in predicting early death as other historic risk factors including: smoking, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

This module will help you to understand the difference between health-related and fitness-related activity. You will also learn about the four components of fitness: aerobic endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and body composition.

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