What does specificity refer to in the context of fitness?

In the context of fitness, specificity refers to the principle that training should be tailored to achieve specific goals. This means that the types of exercises and activities chosen should align with the desired outcomes, such as improving strength in particular muscle groups, enhancing endurance for specific sports, or increasing flexibility in targeted areas. For instance, a person looking to improve their running speed would focus on running drills and sprints rather than weightlifting or swimming. This principle is essential because it recognizes that different activities elicit different responses from the body, and to maximize performance or health benefits, one must select exercises that directly relate to their fitness goals.