Health, fitness and well-being - key terms Flashcards
Somatotype
A method of classifying body types. There are 3 somatotypes: - ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph
Ectomorph
a somatotype characterised by being tall and thin, with narrow shoulders and narrow hips.
Not suited to power and strength sports
Succeed in endurance sports, e.g. marathon running
Also gymnastics where light frame is an advantage
Mesomorph
a somatotype characterised by a muscular appearance, wide shoulders and wide hips.
Excel in strength, agility and speed sports, particularly suited to swimming.
Can participate in any sport at a high level.
Endomorph
a somatotype characterised by a pear-shaped body and a tendency towards fatness. Have wide hips and narrow shoulders.
Extreme endomorph will struggle with weight-bearing aerobic activities e.g. running
In rugby union, bulk can be an advantage in certain positions such as pack members in scrum.
Obese
a term used to describe people with high fat content, caused by an imbalance in the number of calories consumed and the amount of energy expended. Obesity is defined as a BMI of over 30 or being over 20% above the standard weight to height ratio.
Physical health and well-being
all body systems working well, free from illness and injury, and able to carry out everyday tasks.
Mental health and well-being
a state of well-being in which a person realises their potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and can make a contribution to their community.
Social health and well-being
basic human needs (food, clothing, shelter) are being met and an individual is socially active. They experience little stress in social situations, and have friends and a support network.
Fitness
the ability to meet, or cope with, the demands of the environment.
Sedentary lifestyle
a lifestyle with irregular or no physical activity.
Calorie
a unit of measurement for heat or energy production in the body, normally expressed as Kcal.
Balanced diet
a diet that contains the right quantity of food so that you only consume as many calories as you expend each day; and the right mix of different types of food so the body receives all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals it needs.
Nutrition
the intake of food, considered in relation to the body’s dietary needs. Good nutrition takes the form of an adequate, well-balanced diet.
Hydration
having enough water in the body to enable it to function normally.
Dehydration
excessive loss of water from the body, which interrupts the normal functioning of the body.
