Physical Fitness

Right Angle Push-ups Testing

Here’s what you do:

  • The student starts in push-up position with hands under shoulders, arms straight, fingers pointed forward, and legs straight, parallel, and slightly apart (approximately 2-4 inches) with the toes supporting the feet.
  • Keeping the back and knees straight, the student then lowers the body until there is a 90-degree angle formed at the elbows with upper arms parallel to the floor. A partner may hold her/his hands at the point of the 90-degree angle so that the student being tested goes down only until her/his shoulders touch the partner’s hand, then back up.
  • The push-ups are done to a metronome (or audio tape, clapping, drums) with one complete push-up every three seconds, and are continued until the student can do no more at the required pace. The student should remain in motion during the entire three second interval.

Right Angle Push-ups Tip

Spend as little time in the starting position beforehand in order to increase the number of repetitions. Any extra movement may also decrease the number of repetitions.

Right Angle Push-ups Scoring

Record only those push-ups done with proper form and in rhythm.

Curl-ups Testing

Here’s what you do:

  • Have the student lie on a cushioned, clean surface with knees flexed and feet about 12 inches from buttocks. A partner holds the feet.
  • Make sure the arms are crossed with hands placed on opposite shoulders and elbows held close to chest.
  • Keeping this arm position, student raises the trunk, curling up to touch elbows to thighs, and then lowers the back to the floor so that the scapulas (shoulder blades) touch the floor, for one curl-up.
  • To start, a timer calls out the signal “ Ready? Go!” and begins timing student for one minute. The student stops on the word “Stop.”

Curl-ups Tip

Instruct helpers to count aloud the number of repetitions.

Curl-ups Scoring

“Bouncing” off the floor is not permitted. The curl-up should be counted only if performed correctly.

Endurance Run/Walk

This activity measures heart/lung endurance.

Testing

Here’s what you do:

  • On a safe, one-mile distance, students begin running on the count “Ready? Go!”
  • Walking may be interspersed with running. However, the students should be encouraged to cover the distance in as short a time as possible.

Tips

Use a large enough running area so that no more than eight laps are necessary to complete a mile. Help participants learn proper pacing for the mile by having them run at the mile pace for short distances during warm-up time.

Scoring

Always review students’ health status before administering this test. Give students ample instruction on how to pace themselves. Allow them to practice running this distance against time, as well as sufficient time for warming up and cooling down before and after the test. Times are recorded in minutes and seconds.