NCERT Class 9 Health and Physical Education Physical Fitness

Physical fitness is one of the core preconditions of health. We cannot imagine a person to be healthy without being physically fit. Physical fitness, therefore needs to be appreciated in full measure. The common perception of physical fitness is the absence of ailment. If individual is not suffering from any perceptible disease, then he is considered physically fit. Is it true? Another significant issue is whether there is a universal condition of physical fitness which is uniformly applicable to all. It is not so. Physical fitness of young people is different from that of the aged. The physical fitness of a sports person is different from that of the persons working in army factory or a layman. In fact, physical fitness means different things to different people. In this lesson, let us discuss various aspects of physical fitness.

 

In earlier classes, physical fitness has been defined as the capacity of a person to carry out the daily activities without undue fatigue. Physical fitness is considered as a measure of the body’s ability to function efficiently and effectively during work and leisure activities. In order to remain physically fit and healthy, we need to engage ourselves in physical activities and take measures for physically fit.

Physical fitness is an important area of discussion as the number of childrens becoming obese. The normal physical activities, which were done in earlier times both at home and outside as part of day-to-day routine have reduced due to development of science and technology. The work that was done manually is now being carried out by machines. The use of automated equipment such as automatic machines, remotes, mobiles and changes in lifestyles affect health and physical fitness. It has become a matter of deep thinking for all of us.

Now a days we find increased marketing of packaged food and diet for physical fitness. Many such health products now are advertised on TV and radio, and in newspapers, booklets and magazine. It is important for all of us to understand that physical fitness cannot be achieved without doing physical exercise regularly. We should not resort to any shortcut that is frequently advertised in the media these days to achieve fitness or maintain balance in life style. Moreover, these products may have side effects in our daily life.