Defining Fitness through the 10 General Physical Skills

At the core of our mission is the belief that fitness should be a foundation that enhances both health and quality of life across the lifespan. Fitness isn’t just about looking good or performing in the gym—it’s about preparing our bodies and minds for the demands of life outside of it. It’s about being ready to show up as our best selves for our families, loved ones, and the people who depend on us most.

That’s why we focus on simplicity in our programming. Our goal is to create a fitness plan that is accessible to everyone who walks through our doors, regardless of age, experience, or fitness level. We believe fitness should be something that empowers you in all aspects of life, not just in the gym.

Preparing for Life Beyond the Gym

Life is full of unexpected demands, and as parents, caregivers, or simply individuals living busy lives, we know the importance of being physically prepared for whatever comes our way. Whether it’s:

• Lifting strollers or car seats
• Cleaning up after messes
• Playing tag with the kids
• Bringing in groceries
• Caring for a sick family member

The list goes on, and these tasks often come with little warning. That’s why it’s critical to train our bodies to be adaptable and resilient , ready for the physical challenges life throws at us.

The 10 General Physical Skills: A Blueprint for Fitness

To help us achieve this, we look to the work of Greg Glassman, who in 2002 released Part 1 of a 6-part series on defining fitness. In this series, Glassman introduced the concept of the 10 General Physical Skills, developed by coaches Jim Cawley and Bruce Evans of Dynamax—the creators of the widely known medicine ball company established in 1985. These 10 skills serve as the foundation for a broad, inclusive fitness program, offering us a roadmap to prepare for life beyond the gym.

The 10 General Physical Skills include:

1. Cardiovascular Endurance
2. Stamina
3. Strength
4. Flexibility
5. Power
6. Speed
7. Coordination
8. Agility
9. Balance
10. Accuracy

Each of these skills plays a vital role in how we function day-to-day, and they complement one another in building a complete fitness foundation. Glassman brilliantly articulated how these 10 skills aren’t just theoretical—they are practical, measurable adaptations we should all aim to develop throughout our fitness journey.

The Power of the 10 Skills in Real Life

By developing each of the 10 General Physical Skills , we can enhance our ability to meet the demands of everyday life. From running around with our kids to lifting groceries or managing household tasks, each skill translates directly into how well we handle physical challenges outside of the gym.

For example:

• Strength helps us lift heavy objects (like car seats or kids), while stamina ensures we can keep up with non-stop demands throughout the day.
• Flexibility and mobility improve our ability to bend and reach without injury, whether it’s picking up toys or reaching into a high cupboard.
• Power and speed come in handy when we need to react to something quickly.

In short, these skills don’t just make us better at working out—they make us better at life.

In the following weeks we will dive deeper into how we can apply each of the skills into our classes at Pursuit fitness!