Recently, I shared the difference between training and practice, and how certain physical skills come from one while others come from the other. If you missed it, you can check out that post here.
CrossFit’s foundational article, What Is Fitness?, explains that to achieve optimum physical competence, your training must develop all 10 General Physical Skills.
Let’s take a closer look at what they are — and how they shape your fitness.
The 10 General Physical Skills
- Cardio/Respiratory Endurance – The ability of the body’s systems to gather, process, and deliver oxygen.
- Stamina – The ability of the body to process, deliver, store, and utilize energy.
- Strength – The ability of a muscular unit, or combination of units, to apply force.
- Flexibility – The ability to maximize the range of motion at a given joint.
- Power – The ability of a muscular unit, or combination of units, to apply maximum force in minimal time.
- Speed – The ability to minimize the cycle time of a repeated movement.
- Coordination – The ability to combine several distinct movement patterns into a singular, efficient movement.
- Agility – The ability to minimize transition time from one movement pattern to another.
- Balance – The ability to control the placement of the body’s center of gravity in relation to its support base.
- Accuracy – The ability to control movement in a given direction or at a given intensity.
Training vs. Practice
The first four skills — Endurance, Stamina, Strength, and Flexibility — come primarily through training, which causes organic changes in the body (like stronger muscles, better heart and lung capacity, or improved mobility).
The last four — Coordination, Agility, Balance, and Accuracy — develop through practice, which improves the nervous system’s efficiency and control.
The middle two, Power and Speed, are hybrids that depend on both training and practice.
When all 10 are developed, your fitness becomes well-rounded, adaptable, and functional — not just specialized in one area.
Why This Matters
You are only as fit as you are competent in each of these 10 skills.
Focusing only on what you’re already good at limits your potential, and can even create weaknesses that lead to plateaus or injury.
Becoming aware of your biggest areas of opportunity (and not shying away from them) is what leads to true, lifelong fitness.
My Personal Areas of Focus
For me, my stronger points are cardio/respiratory endurance, stamina, coordination, and agility.
My biggest areas of opportunity? Strength, flexibility, and speed.
We all have a unique balance of strengths and weaknesses, and that’s what makes training such a rewarding, lifelong process.
Your Turn
Take a look at that list again.
Where do you think your biggest areas of opportunity are?
If you’re not sure, our coaching team can help you identify and train them — so you can become more capable, confident, and fit for life.
Contact us here and our team will be happy to help!