Physical conditioning in aquatic environments

Abstract

Talking about physical fitness in the aquatic environment implies defining several terms such as physical activity, physical exercise, physical condition and lifestyle because of their close relationship with health. Physical activity (PA) is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure; physical exercise (PE) is a type of physical activity in which there are repetitive, planned and structured body movements, and which are done with a goal to improve or maintain one or more components of physical fitness (FC) (Caspersen, Powell, & Christenson, 1985). Lifestyle is the set of daily behavioural habits of an individual in relation to environmental factors. Health status is directly associated with healthy lifestyle. PA and PE through physical fitness is an integral part of any plan to ensure people lead a healthy life. Individuals should integrate healthy habits into their lives to facilitate weight loss, lower blood pressure, combat dyslipidemias and generally reduce the risk of chronic diseases and all causes of mortality. The World Health Organisation (WHO, 2002) defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease"....