There is a lot at play when it comes to a person’s fitness performance whether they be a professional athlete, personal trainer or simply a fitness enthusiast. The vigour and consistency at which you work out, and how you perform when doing so, depends on a range of unseen physical and mental functions and states. When these are upset, it can hamper performance, motivation and a range of other factors. So let’s take a look at them in a bid to keep you focused and motivated when working towards your fitness goals.
Different factors affecting fitness performance
Body Systems
Since exercise is a wholly physical activity, it makes sense that there are a number of body systems that come into play and affect the effectiveness of your performance during a workout.
The Musculoskeletal System
The musculoskeletal system is directly related to your strength, flexibility, movement and range of motion to name but a few. This system is also responsible for protecting your vital organs and assisting with weight-bearing exercises.
The Cardiovascular System and the Immune System
Your heart, being the most important organ in your body, carries blood and – therefore – oxygen to your muscles, especially during stringent activities.
The cardiovascular system includes blood vessels and lymph nodes in addition to the heart. It is related to normalising blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease. Your lymphatic system is related to the removal of toxins from your blood, which makes cardiovascular exercises important for promoting a healthy immune system.
The Respiratory System and the Digestive System
The lungs work to provide oxygen to the body so that blood cells can transfer it to your muscles. Frequent exercise enhances your body’s ability to do this which promotes better health and also improves physical performance.
The digestive system breaks down food and therefore provides fuel to your body. Thus it is directly related to your ability to perform. Exercise, while relying on a healthy digestive system, also works to improve it so further enhancing your fitness performance.
The Nervous System and the Endocrine System
Your nervous system – made up of the brain, spinal cord and nerves – is responsible for regulating all of your bodily functions. This can have a direct effect on your performance. Exercise has been shown to improve the functions of the nervous system as well.
Your endocrine system regulates hormones. This means it is directly related to growth, especially when working out. Regular exercise can balance your endocrine system to ensure better organ functioning and physical fitness. It even has a direct effect on your moods. Which brings us to our next point, the psychological factors effecting fitness performance.
Psychological Factors Affecting Fitness Performance
The mind has a lot to do with your overall health as well as your motivation to perform. Though it is often overlooked, fitness professionals agree that it is an important factor to consider.
Emotions and Mental Stress
Unbalanced emotions and mental strain may hamper an athlete’s ability to focus on the task at hand. This may make performance difficult for them. A good diet and regular exercise have been known to foster a better ability to cope with emotions and stress.
Motivation and Confidence
Motivation and confidence are directly related to each other. This means that both of them will affect your performance in one way or another. When your confidence is low so too will your motivation. This will make giving it your all incredibly difficult.
Though as you work towards your fitness goals, and start seeing changes in your body, you will likely build your confidence. As a result, you will become more motivated to perform.
There are a lot of factors, both physical and mental, which contribute to your ability to meet your fitness goals. While exercise accounts for a lot of the management of these factors so too does a good diet and a balanced lifestyle.
Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy
To learn more about you can used specialised knowledge to better your fitness potential and that of those around you, why not consider opting for a personal training diploma from the Trifocus Fitness Academy. Visit our website or contact a representative today to find out more about our internationally accredited, online fitness courses.
