What does it mean to be fit or fit enough? For some the aerobics craze and tight spandex may come to mind. Others may think of pumping iron at the gym, miles of running trails, or the perfect pose in yoga class. What we're often missing, though, when we think of fitness is the need to strike a balance. You can be as flexible as a pretzel, but your endurance, strength and mental well-being may be far from tip-top shape. We now think of fitness as involving many aspects, each of them important to overall health. Here we're focusing on physical fitness but mental fitness is equally important [see Healthy Living for more discussion of these additional aspects of fitness].

This module will provide you with information about:

• The benefits of physical activity in health and long-term weight management.
• Understanding what goes into an effective exercise program.
• Diet and lifestyle choices that support your fitness goals.
• How your genes influence your fitness goals and ultimate success.

Begin with the Overview, which introduces you to key components of fitness and exercise. Each topic lets you drill down to the depth of information that meets your needs. Plus, there are References from the scientific literature and a Glossary of key terms.