More Ways Than Four

There are four primary components of fitness: flexibility, cardiovascular capacity, muscularity capacity, and body composition. These are considered to be the first and most important areas to assess for physical health and fitness, but they are not the only components that we need to focus on training.

Secondary components of fitness, also known as components for performance based fitness, are important for daily function. They include balance, coordination, power, agility, reaction time, speed, and mental capability. An athletes level of success depends widely on how well their secondary components are developed, but these are areas that are important to develop for the average joe as well.

Including performance based exercises in your workout program will make your workouts more intense and efficient and increase your overall level of health and physical fitness. You can add primary and secondary components together to increase intensity and save time. Perhaps move slower or faster through your reps, or preform a series of exercises together, perhaps an upper body and a lower body exercise, to improve your coordination. Challenge your balance by standing on one leg or sitting on a stability ball while doing a shoulder press, or change a squat to a squat jump to create an explosive movement, improving your power component.

There are many ways to add variety and enjoyment to your exercise program. Spice things up by focusing on all areas of fitness and you'll never be bored!