The Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide
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Chapter 1 Overview of Physical Fitness
This chapter will introduce terms and definitions
commonly used to measure or define fitness levels, and other terms associated with athletic
training. Terms such as aerobic and anaerobic will be appearing throughout this fitness
guide and various training techniques to optimize fitness will be discussed in greater detail
in subsequent chapters. We suggest that you take some time to familiarize yourself with the
terms and concepts in this chapter as this will greatly enhance your ability to apply the
information provided in the remaining chapters.
Exercise Physiology
Exercise physiology is a branch of science which studies how the body responds
and adapts physically to exercise training or to an acute bout of physical exertion. Such
information is used for designing physical education, fitness and athletic programs.
Physical fitness includes cardiopulmonary endurance, body composition, muscular
strength and endurance, and flexibility.
Definitions and Terminology
Following are some commonly used exercise physiology terms and their
definitions. You will come across many of these terms in subsequent chapters.
Aerobic
: A process of producing energy that requires oxygen.
Aerobic Capacity
: Total or maximal amount of aerobic work that can be done.