Characteristics of a Physically Fit Person – JSS1 Physical & Health Education Lesson Note (First Term)

A physically fit person is healthy and can do work and exercise adequately without getting tired easily. He or she performs daily activities with ease, copes well with stress, resists disease and recovers quickly from illness. Physical fitness needs good health and regular exercise, and it covers the body, mind, social life and emotions.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• explain what it means to be physically fit;
• list the characteristics of a physically fit person;
• state the importance of physical fitness to human life;
• explain what hypokinetic diseases are.

What is a physically fit person?

A person is said to be physically fit if he or she is healthy and can do work and exercise adequately. Someone who is sick, malnourished, disabled or overweight cannot be said to be physically fit. Though good health is important to physical fitness, exercise is needed regularly to keep fit.

What are the characteristics of a physically fit person?

A physically fit person:

1. performs his or her daily activities easily without much effort;
2. adapts better to stress and does not get tired easily;
3. has a good posture and firm physique;
4. reacts quickly to emergencies;
5. enjoys playing games, sports and other recreational activities;
6. has a good appetite for food;
7. has a healthy attitude to life;
8. recovers quickly from illness;
9. has a high resistance to diseases and infections;
10. can think independently and constructively;
11. has good judgment, is very resourceful, happy and confident;
12. sleeps better and has a good mood.

A physically fit person must be physically, socially, mentally and emotionally fit, and free from diseases and infirmity.

Why is physical fitness important to human life?

1. It helps in the proper growth of the body.
2. It aids digestion and improves appetite and stamina.
3. It helps in the proper functioning of the organs and systems of the body.
4. It promotes a sense of well-being.
5. It prevents both major and minor illnesses.
6. It reduces high blood pressure.
7. It reduces the risk of hypokinetic diseases (diseases associated with inactivity).
8. It adds to the aesthetic value of the body. The individual looks good, feels good and is happy.
9. It prevents certain disease conditions such as obesity.

Evaluation

1. When is a person said to be physically fit?
2. State five characteristics of a physically fit person.
3. What are hypokinetic diseases?
4. Give three ways in which physical fitness helps the body.

Assignment

1. List six physical fitness exercises that you know.
2. Itemize four importances of physical fitness.