Definitions of Physical Fitness

Several authorities have defined physical fitness, and the definitions together build a full picture.

• "Fitness is the ability of an individual to lead a full and balanced life. It includes physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual factors and the capacity for their wholesome expression." - Charles A. Bucher (1958)
• "Physical fitness is the ability to carry out daily tasks with vigour and alertness, without undue fatigue and with ample energy to enjoy leisure-time pursuits and to meet unforeseen emergencies." - H. Harrison Clarke (1976)
• "Physical fitness is the ability to perform moderate to vigorous levels of physical activity without undue fatigue, and the capability of maintaining such ability throughout life." - American College of Sports Medicine
• "Individuals are physically fit when they can meet both the ordinary and the unusual demands of daily life safely and effectively without being overly fatigued, and still have energy left for leisure and recreational activities." - Hoeger & Hoeger (2014)
• "Physical fitness is associated with a person's ability to work effectively, enjoy leisure time, be healthy, resist hypokinetic diseases, and meet emergency situations." - Corbin et al. (2015)

Taken together, a physically fit individual should be able to perform daily tasks efficiently and without undue fatigue, complete the demands of recreational activities, and meet emergencies. …