Physical Fitness tests
Your child will participate in fitness measurements to evaluate their current fitness levels in the five components of fitness, which include: cardio-respiratory endurance (15m or 20m Pacer Test), muscular strength (90 degree Push-up test), muscular endurance (Curl-up Cadence), flexibility (Back Saver sit and reach), trunk strength, endurance and flexibility (trunk lift) and body composition (BMI). Your child’s fitness levels are compared to minimum health related standards that have been developed for children of the same age and sex.
Fitness measurements consist of three phases: pre-measurements, goal setting and post measurements. Phase one is the pre-measurements. Its purpose is to gather information about the student’s beginning fitness levels. By finding their starting point, students develop an awareness of their own fitness and health. It is important that students do not view this as a competition, but rather a starting point to improve personal fitness.
The goal-setting phase is an essential part of your child understanding their own fitness and how to improve it. During this phase, students set realistic goals for cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility. After the goals are set, students begin to work towards improvement using curriculum that is specifically designed to help them reach their goals.
Near the end of the year or the term post-measurements are taken. The purpose is to gather data that demonstrates the student’s fitness progress. All students have the opportunity to take pride in achieving their personal goals. You and your student will be able to view two student/parent reports: one after pre measurements and another after post-measurements. These reports will track their progress in achieving their personal fitness goals.
All Salem City Schools will complete the following fitness measurements:
20 or 15 Meter Pacer– This measurement assesses cardiorespiratory endurance.
Curl-Up Cadence – This measurement determines the muscular endurance and strength in the abdominals and hips.
90 Degree Push-Ups (Cadance) – This is a measurement of upper body muscular strength and endurance.
Back Saver Sit & Reach – This is a measurement that determines the flexibility of the hamstrings and lower back.
Trunk Lift- This measurement determines trunk strength, flexibility and endurance.
Body Mass Index (BMI) – BMI is a screening tool used to identify growth patterns in populations. It is derived from height, weight, age and gender. It is also a tool that can be used by parents to help them understand the growth patterns of their children over time.
Protocols and standards for the above fitness measurements are derived from the Cooper Institute (Healthy Fitness Zone Standards) and are recommended by the Virginia Department of Education.
This systematic approach to the development of fitness begins to build a value of how to maintain or improve individual fitness. Measurements are discreetly recorded and their personal fitness report is generated to provide you with a snapshot of your son’s or daughter’s fitness.
As the parent/guardian you have the option to opt your child out of the body mass index portion of the measurements. If you wish to opt your child out, please print off and sign the form below. Have your child bring it back to your physical education teacher.
Please encourage and assist your child to improve their fitness by participating with them in physical activities and making healthy choices about the foods you eat.