Try searching for a definition of ‘fitness’ and you will get many different and sometimes confusing answers.
In a 2002 CrossFit Journal article, the founders of CrossFit provided their own definition which included one model based upon the 10 general physical skills widely recognized by exercise physiologists.
A functional fitness program will regularly incorporate tests of each of these 10 skills, often hitting multiple skills in the same workout and on multiple occasions over the course of a weekly or monthly programming cycle.
Let’s list the 10 General Physical Skills
Endurance
Stamina
Strength
Flexibility
Power
Speed
Coordination
Agility
Balance
Accuracy
So how do we improve each of these?
Improvements in endurance, stamina, strength and flexibility come about through training. Training refers to activity that improves performance through a measurable organic change in the body.
Improvements in coordination, agility, balance and accuracy come about through practice. Practice refers to activity that improves performance through changes in the nervous system.
Power and speed are adaptations of both training and practice.
Over the next couple of weeks, we will explore the definition of each of the skills and their applicability to everyday life and/or the sports we may find ourselves playing recreationally or sometimes at a much higher level. It actually doesn’t matter if you are a 90 year old grandmother or a 24 year old Olympic athlete, our need to be able to perform these 10 skills is similar, just to different degrees.
