Twelve fitness components

When developing a individualized fitness program it is important to focus on the following 12 fitness components:

1 strength
2 speed
3 power
4 coordination
5 balance
6 agility
7 flexibility
8 long term endurance
9 short term endurance
10 body tone and size
11 body awareness
12 functional fitness (every day energy, etc.)

You will discover that when you define each of the above components that there is overlap with definitions. This will then have a relationship to how you train. For instance, if you train your flexiblity (active and passive range of motion) it will often mean improvement in ALL of the OTHER AREAS.

Generally speaking, you will want to train all of the above components, thus having balance. Try avoid the common pitfalls of the past. In other words, try to avoid just training for stregth or just flexibility, etc. This doesn't mean that you can't have a period of time where strength training is emphasized, etc. but that overall, you will be less prone to injury and more effective in martials, in the workplace, etc. if you train for success in all areas carefully, thoughyfully and patiently.