The FITT principle is a guideline for physical activity that stands for Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type. It can be used to improve health and fitness, and can be prescribed to people similar to pharmacologic intervention. The FITT principle can be used by anyone, beginner or experienced, for any type of activity, and can also be used by therapists for individuals recovering from a condition. The principle of FITT training can be viewed as a framework for training recipes. The FITT principle can be applied to different types of exercise, including cardio, strength, stretching, and injury prevention.
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Frequency: This refers to how often physical activity is performed. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that some type of physical activity should be done every day.
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Intensity: This refers to how hard physical activity is performed. The intensity of physical activity can be measured in different ways, such as heart rate, breathing rate, or perceived exertion.
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Time: This refers to how long physical activity is performed. The time dedicated to exercise usually depends on the type of exercise undertaken.
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Type: This refers to the specific type of physical activity performed. Different types of physical activity have different benefits, and it is important to choose activities that are enjoyable and sustainable.
The FITT principle can be used to improve physical fitness and contribute to the management of several diseases related to lifestyle such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Additionally, the mental health aspect should not be overlooked, and adding an "F" for "Fun" is recommended to improve exercise adherence.
