IS CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF PHYSICAL FITNESS?
Cardiorespiratory fitness is a good indicator of overall health. Low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness from a sedentary lifestyle have been associated with an increased risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease. Moderate to high levels of prolonged physical activity can improve cardiorespiratory fitness. HOW CAN I PREDICT MY CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS LEVEL? There are a number of ways to measure cardiorespiratory fitness. A quick and easy method is to use field tests that involve walking or running a certain distance in a given time. The advantage of field tests is that little equipment is needed. These tests require maximal effort, therefore may not be appropriate for sedentary individuals at increased risk for cardiovascular and musculoskeletal complications. 1. 5 MILE FIELD TEST One of the most common field tests used is the 1.5 mile test for time. The objective is to complete the distance in the shortest amount of time. VO2 max is estimated from the 1.5 mile field test b
