According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise goals should be based on four primary elements of fitness.
1. Aerobic fitness
Any activity you do ”from taking a walk to washing the dishes” requires oxygen. Regular aerobic fitness exercise increases your body’s ability to use oxygen. How well you use oxygen is termed your “aerobic capacity.” When your aerobic capacity is high, your heart, lungs and blood vessels efficiently transport and deliver large amounts of oxygen throughout your body.
2. Muscular fitness
Muscular fitness refers to the strength and endurance of your muscles. The more fit your muscles are, the easier your daily tasks become, whether they include lifting groceries, raking the yard or pushing a vacuum cleaner.
3. Flexibility
Flexibility is the ability to move your joints through their full range of motion. You maintain your body’s flexibility through stretching. When you’re flexible, routine tasks, such as lifting packages, bending to tie your shoe and hurrying to catch a bus, are easier and less tiring.
4. Stability and balance
Stability and balance are associated with your body’s core muscle strength. The muscles in your lower back, pelvis, hips and abdomen. These core muscles provide the support system for almost any activity or motion your body makes. They help you maintain stability and balance during your daily activities.
