How is speed defined in the context of fitness?

Speed in the context of fitness is defined as the distance traveled per unit of time, which is mathematically expressed as distance divided by time. This means that to determine how fast an individual is moving, you measure the total distance covered and divide it by the amount of time taken to cover that distance.

For example, if a runner completes a 400-meter lap in 50 seconds, their speed would be calculated as 400 meters divided by 50 seconds, resulting in a speed of 8 meters per second. Understanding this concept is crucial in fitness as it allows individuals and trainers to evaluate performance and set benchmarks for improvement.

This definition highlights the importance of both the distance and the time taken to quantify speed, which is key to various fitness assessments and athletic training programs.