Physical fitness and health-related fitness as indicators of a positive health state

University of Liverpool, United KingdomSUMMARYThis article focuses on the concept of positive healthand, in particular, recognizes the importance of phys-ical fitness.It is argued that measures of physical fitness areindicators of positive health and such measures areidentified under their discrete headings of agility,flexibility, power, speed and reaction time, strength,cardiovascular capacity, body composition andposture.The theme of health-related fitness is explored, withrecognition of its increasing importance for healthpromotion in schools, the community and commerce.Evidence is presented that highlights the generalacceptance of the importance of certain fitnesscomponents in the assessment of the positive health ofpopulations. In addition, an alternative method ofassessing fitness is discussed, arising from the authors'recognition of its potential as an inexpensive, easilyadministered indicator of one aspect of positive health.The case for using subjective indicators of positivehealth is also presented—the argument being thatsubjective health could be a possible mediator in theattainment of positive health.