Physical fitness is a health status pertaining to the individual officer having the physiological readiness to perform maximum physical effort when required.
Areas of Fitness
Physical fitness consists of 3 areas:
- Aerobic capacity or cardiovascular endurance pertaining to the heart and vascular system's capacity to transport oxygen. It is also a key area for heart disease in that low aerobic capacity is a risk factor.
- Strength pertains to the ability of muscles to generate force. Upper body strength and abdominal strength are important areas in that the low strength levels have a bearing on upper torso and lower back disorders.
- Flexibility pertains to the range of motion of the joints and muscles. Lack of lower back flexibility is a major risk area for lower back disorders.