GCSE PE: COMPONENTS OF FITNESS
Component
Definition
Example
Explanation
A: HEALTH-RELATED
Muscular Strength
The maximum force a muscle/group of muscles
can apply against a resistance
Weight lifter and
Shot Putt
Weight lifting need lots of muscular strength to lift the heaviest
weight. Shot Putt need muscular strength to push the putt the furthest
distance.
Muscular
Endurance
The ability to move your body and muscles
repeatedly without fatiguing
Long distance
cyclist and Rower
Long distance cyclists such as Chris Froome and rowers need muscular
endurance to use the same group of muscles (e.g. hamstring &
quadriceps) in the same action for a long period of time.
Cardiovascular/
Aerobic Endurance
The ability to continue exertion while getting
energy from the aerobic system used to supply
the body with energy. Also referred to as
stamina
Marathon
Runner
Long distance athletes such as Mo Farah running the marathon need
cardiovascular endurance to ensure their working muscles are getting
sufficient oxygen and nutrients.
Flexibility
Range of movement available around a joint
Gymnastics
Athletes such as gymnasts need flexibility to look aesthetically
pleasing. High jump need flexibility to reach/bend over the bar.
Speed
The ability to move quickly across the ground or
move limbs rapidly through movements
Sprinter
Sprinters need the most speed, to complete the race in the fastest
time.
B: SKILL-RELATED
Agility
The ability to change direction at speed
Football, Rugby
and Basketball
Football, Rugby and Basketball need agility to dodge around defenders
at speed whilst keeping possession.
Balance
The ability to maintain your centre of mass, over
a base of support
Gymnastics
Many gymnastic events need good balance to complete all movements
effectively without falling over.
Co-ordination
The ability to move two or more body parts
under control, smoothly and efficiently
Tennis and
Badminton
Tennis and badminton need good co-ordination to see, move and
strike at the same time.
Power
The ability to exert a maximal force in as short a
time as possible or Strength x Speed
Weight lifter
A weight lifter needs power to move a heavy weight quickly above
their head. A sprinter need power to generate force off the ground to
increase their quickness.
Reaction time
How quickly someone can respond to a stimulus
Table tennis and
Sprinter
Sprinters at the sprint start need reaction time to set off as soon as the
gun goes off. Table tennis need reaction time to change their body
position to the direction of the ball quickly to be able to return the
shot.
