What does conditioning refer to in fitness?

Conditioning in fitness primarily refers to the process of performing exercises conducted on a regular basis over time to improve overall physical performance, strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. This consistent engagement in exercise establishes physiological adaptations in the body, enhancing its ability to perform physical tasks and reducing the risk of injury.

When referring to conditioning, it is essential to understand that it involves not only the frequency of exercise but also the systematic approach to increase intensity and volume in training to reach specific fitness goals. This structured regimen enables the body to adapt progressively, leading to improved fitness levels.

Unlike the other choices, which touch on different aspects of physical training, the concept of regular exercise over time is fundamental to conditioning, ensuring that improvements are seen and maintained. Periodic intense training sessions may be part of a conditioning program but do not encompass the entirety of what conditioning entails. Evaluating physical fitness and the use of specific equipment may support a conditioning program but do not define the core principle of conditioning itself.