Fitness Focus:
Muscular Strength Vs. Muscular Endurance
Muscular fitness includes two health-related components of physical fitness:
muscular strength and muscular endurance. Muscular strength is the ability of a
muscle group to apply a maximal force against a resistance one time. The term
resistance in weight training simply refers to the weight lifted. Many people are
believers that strength training is only for athletes or workers whose jobs require
them to have a lot of power. The truth is that muscular strength training is an
important component of a total fitness program and an important part of
everyone’s daily life.
Muscular endurance is the ability to repeat a muscle movement over a period
of time. With high levels of endurance you have more energy and are able to last
longer when you play sports. Your muscles are strong enough to move for long
periods of time and are firm and trim. Exercises such as push-ups, leg raises, and
curl-ups build muscular endurance and strength.
Good levels of muscular strength and endurance can enhance a person’s
health and wellness throughout their lifetime. Strength is involved in nearly all
daily activities including: sitting, breathing, talking, and locomotion. Muscular
strength and endurance helps improve posture, personal appearance, self-image,
and sport/recreation activities. These fitness components are also helpful in
maintaining health by providing muscle mass, decreasing fatigue, preventing muscle
soreness, and decreasing injury. Strength training that is done moderately will
increase muscle tone and help to keep you healthy for the daily activities that
involve our muscles.
To look good and feel good, you must have adequate muscular fitness. Why
do two people with the same weight and height but different amounts of muscle
and body fat look different? The person with more muscle looks trimmer because
muscle is denser than fat. One pound of muscle takes up less space than one pound
of fat. Another reason is that toned muscles prevent protruding in areas such as
the stomach. Muscle strength and endurance are important for everyone, and
should be a part of your daily routine!
4.2 Identify physical activities that are effective in improving each of the healthrelated physical fitness components.
Name: __________________________ Period: _____________
Muscular Strength vs. Muscular Endurance – 7th grade
Directions: Use the article to answer the questions below. The answers must be in your own words to show
understanding, not just a word for word recitation of what you read. If you cannot answer a question from
lack of information, use the internet or a dictionary to help. Answers must be in complete sentences.
1. What is Muscular Strength?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
2. What is Muscular Endurance?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
3. List the 3 exercises that help build Muscular Strength and Endurance:
1. __________________________________________
2. __________________________________________
3. __________________________________________
4. Strength is involved in nearly all daily activities including:
1. __________________________________________
2. __________________________________________
5. Muscular Strength and Endurance help improve:
1. __________________________________________
2. __________________________________________
6. Name activities that you like to do that can improve your Muscular Strength
and Endurance::
1. __________________________________________
2. __________________________________________
3. __________________________________________
7. One pound of ______________ takes up less space than one pound of
______________.
4.2 Identify physical activities that are effective in improving each of the healthrelated physical fitness components.