What is FitnessGram?
Students in both the Lower and Upper School will be participating in the fitness-gram testing. Below describes FitnessGram and its components. Under the Lower and Upper School's section of the website, information on grades involved and other information is included. If you have any questions on fitness gram do not hesitate to contact the P.E. Staff.
What is the Fitnessgram?
The Fitnessgram is a series of health-related fitness activities that assess physical fitness levels in children.
Why do it?
Students should learn to self-assess their fitness levels and interpret the results. This will help them learn about fitness concepts, plan and set goals for fitness and serve as a motivational tool to remain active on their own.
What fitness areas do the activities test?
Cardio respiratory (Cardiovascular) Endurance:
PACER Test The Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run is a multistage fitness test adapted from the 20 meter shuttle run test. The test is progressive; it is easy at the beginning and gets harder each stage. Set to music, this test is a valid, fun alternative to the customary distance run test for measuring aerobic capacity. The PACER is recommended for all ages. The children have a good time while learning how to pace. (Fitnessgram, 1999)
Muscular Strength and Endurance:
Curl-up Test For the curl-up test, the students complete as many curl-ups as they can at a specified pace (maximum 75). The curl-up has been selected because it does not involve the assistance of the hip flexor muscles and minimizes compression in the spine, when compared to a full sit-up with the feet held. Strength and endurance of the abdominals are important in promoting good posture and correct pelvic alignment. (Fitnessgram, 1999)
Push-up Test The push-up to an elbow angle of 90 degrees is the recommended test for upper body strength and endurance. The PACER test CD contains a recorded cadence of 20 push-ups per minute (1 push-up every 3 seconds). The tests ends if a student: 1- stops to rest; 2-does not achieve a 90 degree angle with elbows on each rep; 3-does not maintain correct body position; 4-does not extend arms fully. (Fitnessgram, 1999)
Flexibility:
Back Saver Sit and Reach Test The sit and reach measures predominantly the flexibility of the hamstring muscles. Both the right and left sides of the body are tested separately to discourage hyperextention. Normal hamstring flexibility allows rotation of the pelvis in forward bending movements and posterior tilting of the pelvis for proper sitting.
Students are compared not to each other, but to health fitness standards