Physical fitness has been defined as the ability to perform activities of daily living with vigor, and possession of a health history and profile (i.e., lifestyle, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels) associated with a low risk of largely preventable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and stroke (Caspersen, Powell, & Christenson, 1985).

A family of multiple generations is participating in outdoor physical activity.

The achievement of physical fitness is accomplished by having a regular and substantial amount of physical activity and physical exercise in your life. Physical activity is any bodily movement that burns calories, such as gardening, vacuuming, shoveling snow, walking to the store, climbing stairs, or playing ball with your grandchildren. Physical exercise is physical activity that is planned, structured, repetitive, and has the direct aim of improving physical fitness. It is typically of higher intensity than ordinary physical activity (Caspersen, Powell, & Christenson, 1985). Fortunately, improved fitness can be achieved by everyone, regardless of age or physical condition, when an exercise program is followed. In fact, the greatest improvements are often seen among the frailest individuals who are nurtured through an exercise program.