In order to properly design a fitness program we must first understand the five components of health-related fitness. these are:

1: Cardio respiratory endurance - the body's ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs and the ability to utilize them over sustained periods of time. This component is illustrated during long-distance running or swimming.

2: Muscular Strength - the ability of your muscles to exert force. This component is illustrated when lifting or moving heavy objects such as doing a weightlifting workout.

3: Muscular Endurance - the ability of your muscles to exert force or to perform repetitive movements over prolonged periods of time. This component can be tested by doing sit ups or push-ups

4: Flexibility - the ability to move our joints and muscles through their full range of motion. This can be seen when doing stretches or splits.

5: Body Composition - this refers to the ratio of lean muscle to fats in the body. A good fitness program should include each of these five components of health-related fitness. You should begin each workout session with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching and low intensity warm-ups. Cardio respiratory endurance can be improved by doing at least 20 minutes per session of aerobic activity. This can be in the form of jogging, bicycling, brisk walking, rowing, swimming or playing tennis or racquetball. Lifting weights whether free weights or strength machines will help you improve your muscular strength. Muscular endurance can be improved by doing push-ups sit ups or pull ups. Flexibility can be improved by doing 10 minutes of stretching exercises a couple times per week.

By including each of the first four components in your fitness program you will improve the fifth component by increasing the amount of lean muscle in your body and reducing the amount of fats.