Definition of fitness noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary



    BrE BrE//ˈfɪtnəs//
    ; NAmE NAmE//ˈfɪtnəs//
    [uncountable] Good health, Exercise, Departments in stores
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  1. 1the state of being physically healthy and strong a magazine on health and fitness a fitness instructor/class/test a high level of physical fitness CollocationsDiet and exerciseWeight put on/​gain/​lose weight/​a few kilos/​a few pounds watch/​control/​struggle with your weight be/​become seriously overweight/​underweight be/​become clinically/​morbidly obese achieve/​facilitate/​promote/​stimulate weight loss slim down to 70 kilos/(British English) 11 stone/(especially North American English) 160 pounds combat/​prevent/​tackle/​treat obesity develop/​have/​suffer from/​struggle with/​recover from anorexia/​bulimia/​an eating disorder be on/​go on/​follow a crash/​strict diet have/​suffer from a negative/​poor body image have/​develop a positive/​healthy body imageHealthy eating eat a balanced diet/​healthily/​sensibly get/​provide/​receive adequate/​proper nutrition contain/​get/​provide essential nutrients/​vitamins/​minerals be high/​low in calories/​fat/​fibre/(especially US English) fiber/​protein/​vitamin D/​Omega-3 fatty acids contain (no)/use/​be full of/​be free from additives/​chemical preservatives/​artificial sweeteners avoid/​cut down on/​cut out alcohol/​caffeine/​fatty foods stop/​give up/ (especially North American English) quit smokingExercise (British English) take regular exercise do moderate/​strenuous/​vigorous exercise play football/​hockey/​tennis go cycling/​jogging/​running go to/​visit/ (especially North American English) hit/​work out at the gym strengthen/​tone/​train your stomach muscles contract/​relax/​stretch/​use/​work your lower-body muscles build (up)/gain muscle improve/​increase your stamina/​energy levels/​physical fitness burn/​consume/​expend caloriesStaying healthy be/​get/​keep/​stay healthy/​in shape/(especially British English) fit lower your cholesterol/​blood pressure boost/​stimulate/​strengthen your immune system prevent/​reduce the risk of heart disease/​high blood pressure/​diabetes/​osteoporosis reduce/​relieve/​manage/​combat stress enhance/​promote relaxation/​physical and mental well-being Culturesport and fitnessThe British like sport very much, but many people prefer to watch rather than take part. Many go to watch football, rugby, cricket, etc. at the ground, but many more sit at home and watch sport on television.Most people today take relatively little general exercise. Over the last 30 or 40 years lifestyles have changed considerably and many people now travel even the shortest distances by car or bus. Lack of exercise combined with eating too many fatty and sugary foods has meant that many people are becoming too fat. Experts are particularly concerned that children spend a lot of their free time watching television or playing computer games instead of being physically active. In recent years, however, there has been a growing interest in fitness among young adults and many belong to a sports club or gym.In Britain most towns have an amateur football and cricket team, and people also have opportunities to play sports such as tennis and golf. Older people may play bowls. Some people go regularly to a sports centre or leisure centre where there are facilities for playing badminton and squash, and also a swimming pool. Some sports centres arrange classes in activities such as aerobics (= energetic exercises to music to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood), step (= stepping on and off a low step rhythmically to music) and keep-fit (= more gentle stretching exercises). Some people work out (= train hard) regularly at a local gym and do weight training (= lifting weights to strengthen their muscles) and circuit training (= a series of energetic exercises). A few people do judo or other martial arts (= fighting sports). Others go running or jogging (= running at a leisurely pace) in their local area. For enthusiastic runners there are opportunities to take part in long-distance runs, such as the London marathon. Other people keep themselves fit by walking or cycling. Many people go abroad on a skiing holiday each year and there are several dry slopes and snowdomes in Britain where they can practise.Membership of a sports club or gym can be expensive and not everyone can afford the subscription. Local sports centres are generally cheaper. Evening classes are also cheap and offer a wide variety of fitness activities ranging from yoga to jazz dancing. Some companies now provide sports facilities for their employees or contribute to the cost of joining a gym.Sports play an important part in American life. Professional baseball and football games attract large crowds, and many people watch games on television. Although many parents complain about their children being couch potatoes (= people who spend a lot of time watching television), there are sports sessions at school for all ages. College students are usually also required to take physical education classes to complete their studies.Many popular keep-fit activities began in the US. Charles Atlas, Arnold Schwarzenegger and others inspired people to take up bodybuilding (= strengthening and shaping the muscles). Many women joined the ‘fitness craze’ as a result of video workouts produced by stars such as Jane Fonda and Cindy Crawford which they could watch and take part in at home. New fitness books are continually being published and these create fashions for new types of exercise, such as Zumba, wave aerobics, which is done in a swimming pool, or cardio kick-boxing, a form of aerobics which involves punching and kicking a punchbag. Many richer people employ their own personal trainer, either at home or at a fitness centre, to direct their exercise programme. Local YMCAs offer programmes which include aerobics, gym, running, weights, treadmills and rowing machines, as well as steam rooms and swimming. But many people just walk or jog in the local park or play informal games of baseball or football. See related entries: Good health, Exercise, Departments in stores
  2. 2the state of being suitable or good enough for something fitness for something He convinced us of his fitness for the task. fitness to do something There were doubts about her fitness to hold office.
  3. Extra examples A special trainer has been brought in to work on the tennis player’s fitness. First, determine your present fitness level. He has attained peak fitness this season. Hendry is back to match fitness and is expected to play. Regular exercise helps to maintain physical fitness. She’s a bit of a fitness freak. She goes running every night. Skiing offers many fitness benefits. The coach has given him a week to prove his fitness. Tomkins is back to match fitness and is expected to play in the final. Walking is good for health and fitness. You need a good level of physical fitness for this sport. a fitness centre with gymnasium and squash courts He always reads magazines on health and fitness. She has a good level of physical fitness. a fitness instructor
See the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary entry: fitness

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