People of all ages who are inactive can improve their health, well-being and fitness by being more active regularly. However, for most it’s difficult to adopt new habits and routines. So start slowly and work your way up, and before long you will adopt a healthy new fitness routine.

Your overall fitness is made up of four key components. In order to assess your level of fitness, you must consider all of these components together. Here’s a blurb about each component.

Cardiorespiratory endurance is your body’s ability to supply fuel during sustained physical activity by way of your circulatory and respiratory systems. To improve it, try to keep your heart rate elevated for a sustained length of time such as walking, swimming, or bicycling. Remember that the cardiorespiratory activity you choose does not have to be strenuous. Start slowly and work your way up to a more intense pace.

Muscular strength is your muscle’s ability to exert force. You make your muscles stronger by working them against a resistance. Gravity offers a great source of resistance, so be creative.

Muscular endurance is your muscle’s ability to perform without fatigue for a period of time. Cardiorespiratory activities such as walking, jogging, bicycling, or dancing helps improve muscle endurance.

Flexibility refers to your joints range of motion. Joint flexibility helps prevent injuries, so adopt a basic stretching program. Remember that stretching can be done periodically throughout your day.

Get yourself moving with these four key components in mind, and get health and fitness on your side!

• Fitness for Healthy Bones
• Healthy Living in Movement
• Resolution for Fitness Success
• Take Charge of Your Health with Risk Avoidance
• The Cost of Living the Good Life is a Lifetime of Fitness
• How Much Time or How Long is Needed for Fitness and Exercise