peruskunnon

Peruskunto is a Finnish term for the basic level of physical fitness that enables a person to perform everyday tasks and participate in moderate physical activity without excessive fatigue. In Finnish public health, education and sport, peruskunto is treated as a practical baseline rather than an elite standard. The concept covers aerobic endurance, muscular strength, flexibility and movement efficiency, as well as recovery capacity and overall vitality.

Assessment of peruskunto is not standardized by a single national test. In schools and clubs it is usually judged through a combination of simple field tests, observed daily performance, and self-reported well-being. The exact criteria vary with age, sex and health status.

Peruskunto is dynamic: it improves with regular training and can decline with inactivity, illness or overload. Several factors influence it—age, genetics, health conditions, nutrition, sleep and daily activity patterns. Maintaining a good peruskunto supports independent living, lowers risk of chronic diseases, and can improve mood and energy.

Improving peruskunto generally involves a balanced program that combines aerobic exercise, strength training and mobility work. Practical guidance includes gradual progression, regular frequency (roughly 150–300 minutes of moderate activity per week for adults, plus strength training on several days), adequate rest, and variety to prevent plateau and injury. In Finland, the term is widely used in schools, sports clubs and health literature to describe a reachable, non-elite fitness goal that underpins long-term health and participation in physical activity.