General fitness breaks down into three separate strands: cardiovascular fitness (how efficiently your heart and lungs handle sustained effort), strength (what your muscles can push, pull or lift), and flexibility (how freely your joints move). Most people get the best results from working on all three rather than concentrating on just one.
None of them require an expensive gym membership. Cardio fitness comes from brisk walking, cycling or swimming; strength from bodyweight moves, resistance bands or weights; flexibility from stretching or activities such as yoga. It's best to start at a comfortable level and build up steadily, particularly after a break from exercise or a health issue.
See also our page on exercise for general activity guidelines.
Common questions
What three elements make up general fitness?
Cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and flexibility. Most people benefit from working on all three rather than just one.
Is a costly gym membership required to improve fitness?
No - brisk walking, cycling, bodyweight exercises and basic stretching can build all three without one.