10 Examples of Physical Abilities

The human being is made up of organs and tissues that allow activities or functions to be carried out abroad, including physical ones. That is why we will emphasize some examples of physical abilities .

What are the physical capacities in the human being?

They are defined as the set of elements that make up the human body and allow activities to be carried out, however simple or complex they may be. 

On the other hand, it facilitates the integration of the organs of the human body and the constant development when performing exercises or physical activities.

In this way, both external and internal, genetic or acquired factors intervene, which together make up a process within the training or practice of exercises.

Therefore, starting from the definition, we will address some examples of physical capacities and their characteristics. Join us!

Examples of physical abilities

  1. Speed 

Within physical activity, there are actions that human beings develop instinctively or innately, which are gradually perfected over time.

Said action in question is the speed , which we use when we run or jog, when exercising in the daily routine.

For example, if we jog a distance of 2 kilometers, we are doing a physical test of speed and resistance, where the muscles and body systems act in an integral way.

In the same way, it happens when we run a short distance and the count is taken in a stopwatch, where the goal is to arrive in the shortest possible time.

On the other hand, the speed is divided into translation , resistance and reaction , with similar characteristics and at the same time different from each other.

  1. Resistance 

As for resistance, it is a test that conditions our physical effort and allows us to assess the support before a certain exercise.

Regarding the purpose of this physical exercise, it allows discovering the adaptation to strenuous tests, reducing body fatigue.

On the other hand, the practice of resistance exercise is very common among high performance athletes and other sports disciplines , especially swimming, athletics, soccer or cycling.

  1. Flexibility 

This physical capacity is very common to develop in childhood and as time goes by, it tends to be slowly lost.

For example, when we do sports or physical education and rest on our legs and stretch, it is called flexibility .

However, this ability tends to diminish over the years and also, with a lack of practice or warm-up.

Regarding the benefits of flexibility , it allows us to avoid muscle cramps when exercising and making prolonged movements.

  1. Strength 

Another of the physical capacities that we use frequently is strength , and it is due to muscular tension to counteract an effect of external resistance.

For its part, this physical quality must be constantly trained for the development and effect of intense resistance activities.

To cite an example, when developing muscle mass, we can apply force to an external stimulus or object, this capacity is obtained through training.

Another illustration of strength is when lifting dumbbells of a certain weight, facilitating the development and toning of muscles.

  1. Coordination 

The term ‘ coordination’ refers to the union of one or more movements simultaneously and towards a single direction.

To understand this physical process in a simple way, it can be observed in synchronized swimming competitions, when swimmers perform movements in unison.

  1. Rhythm 

The rhythm has a similar characteristic that the coordination and we can define it as the constant movement that is marked with a certain time and period.

Therefore, the rhythm coordinates the movements to the sound of an external stimulus, be it visual or sound.

For example, a dance class is a clear illustration of rhythm, where we use coordination and sequence in the movements we perform.

  1. Dexterity 

Known as ability , it is the physical capacity that an individual possesses to perform an activity satisfactorily.

To understand this term, jumping rope comes to mind, an activity that allows you to synchronize movements and jump perfectly.

  1. Balance 

Balance is the physical capacity that allows the individual to stand up for as long as possible and in the face of an external stimulus.

For example, if we raise one leg with the help of our hands and leave one free, we make an oscillating movement; preventing us from falling.

In the same way, it happens when we ride the bicycle, to avoid falling, we must maintain coordination and balance during the movements.

  1. Orientation 

Meanwhile, orientation allows the individual to know the direction of movement from one place to another.

An example of this is when we orient ourselves by the compass , an instrument that allows us to see the horizon, if we are in the north, south, west and east of a place.

  1. Reaction 

Finally, the reaction is a type of movement that is activated when coming into contact with an external stimulus, where speed is revealed.

For example, the instinct to run before a sound stimulus of great intensity, where it is a method of escape with the recognition of danger.