Skill Related Fitness Pictures

Aside from the obvious (having abs and being able to do a handstand), there is much more that goes into physical fitness than just jogging on the treadmill. A 2019 comparative study on health-related and skill-related fitness breaks it down into five health components and six skill components.

These include agility, balance, coordination, power, and reaction time. These are the components that play a role in skilled activities and athletic competitions.

Power

There are few things more visually impressive than watching an NBA star dunk a basketball or an NFL wide receiver elevate to catch a football. These feats, as well as the ability to run 100 meters in less than 10 seconds, are examples of power. Power, which is a combination of strength and speed, can be improved by incorporating exercises such as sled pushes or plyometric jumps into a workout routine.

Another component of skill-related fitness is reaction time, which involves the ability to respond to a stimulus, such as sight or sound, and start moving in response. This can be improved through activities such as running on the spot or sprinting.

Coordination is the final skill-related component of fitness, which encompasses the ability to use body parts in conjunction and move smoothly. This can be improved through juggling or other activities that require a high degree of coordination. While these components of fitness don’t have the direct health benefits of the six health-related components, they do tend to make a person more proficient in skills related to their favorite sports or other recreational activities.

Coordination

Whether you’re chopping vegetables, tossing a ball or learning a new dance move, coordination is key. It’s also something that, according to research, can be improved with practice.

Coordination is the ability to combine both fine motor skills—such as the movement of your hands when performing tasks like writing or pointing—with gross motor movements such as walking or running. This ability to perform these types of movements smoothly and efficiently is what makes up good coordination, says Molly Frankinburger, DPT, CSCS, an exercise physiologist at the University of Oregon.

While a lot of fitness programs focus on cardiovascular and strength training, the development of coordination is often overlooked. But incorporating it into your workouts could improve your balance, flexibility and even mental health, Frankinburger notes. Try a simple coordination drill, such as jumping from one side of the room to the other while tapping each foot on the ground, she suggests. You can also incorporate jump rope workouts into your routine, which works both fine and gross motor coordination. Aim for 30-50 reps of these exercises three to four times per week.

Agility

Agility is the ability to change direction and speed smoothly while maintaining control of the body. It requires balance, coordination, and fast reflexes. It is important for athletes, particularly those who play sports that require quick movements, such as basketball, tennis, soccer, and football.

Although agility is often thought of as a skill related to sports, it can also be beneficial for people who don’t participate in team athletics. Adding agility drills to your workouts can help improve your balance and build muscle. It can also help you move more quickly day-to-day, such as jumping over a dog or dodging a pothole on the sidewalk.

Agility training can be challenging for some people, so it’s best to start slow. Begin by incorporating one agility exercise into your workout routine at a time, and slowly increase the intensity. Be sure to talk to your doctor before beginning an agility or plyometric training program, especially if you have joint or muscle problems or heart health conditions. Also, it’s a good idea to check with your trainer or coach to make sure that the exercises you choose are safe and appropriate for your specific fitness level.

Balance

Balance is the ability to manage your center of gravity and stay upright, regardless of the circumstances. It’s crucial for sports that require precise movements, such as gymnastics and surfing. It’s also vital for other activities that require good coordination, like juggling. Balance can be improved by doing exercises that train your core and improve your overall body movement, such as squats, lunges, and box jumps.

Reaction time is the amount of time it takes for you to react to a given stimulus, such as sight or sound. This is important not only for athletes but for daily activities, such as driving and walking. Reaction time can be improved through exercises such as running on the spot or reaction drills.

It’s no secret that some people are naturally more athletic than others. That’s because certain physical traits are hereditary, and they can make a difference in the way you perform a particular sport or exercise. However, training to develop specific fitness components like agility, power, speed, and coordination can greatly enhance your performance. Moreover, these skill-related fitness components tend to increase your athletic aptitude, which can further enhance your health.