THE IMPORTANCE OF AGE-SPECIFIC FITNESS TESTING

Abstract

Fitness is a physical and mental state that includes a healthy physique and body composition, adequate physical performance, and a basis for developing and maintaining well-being. Fitness can be developed and maintained through regular exercise and healthy eating. Human biological characteristics, motor abilities, are essential elements of our health, which, based on genetic traits, develop in a unique synergy of lifestyle effects during individual development. In healthy children or adults, genetic prediction will never lead to overweight or obesity. The body composition is ‚responsive’ to changed environmental influences throughout our lives. A sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition adversely affect the actual body composition, resulting in, among other things, the breakdown of the optimal ratio of fat and muscle mass. While motor performance is genetically determined to varying degrees, it can be improved to varying degrees. The development and maintenance of an individual’s motor abilities are influenced by biological and environmental factors. Age-dependent examination of life-dependent growth, development and maturation, and related changes in physical / fitness performance, is a central concern of physical education and sports science. Evidence suggests that the ability to improve fitness depends on age, but this decline can be slowed by regular physical activity.