FITNESSGRAM INFORMATION

Healthy Fitness Zones

*The FITNESSGRAM uses Healthy Fitness Zones (HFZs) to evaluate fitness performance.  These zones, established by The Cooper Institute of Dallas, Texas, represents levels of fitness that offer protection against the diseases that result from sedentary living.

FEMALES

MALES

How will I know if my child is fit?
Each student will receive a computerized printout of their test results.  These results will be used as a learning tool for physical fitness.   Students will interpret the data and set goals.  This test will be administered three times a year (Sept, Dec, & March).  The pre-test scores will be sent home with your student’s report card in October.

What fitness areas do the activities test?

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 & Endurance:

Curl-up Test: For the curl up test, the students complete as many curl-ups as they can at a specified pace (max 75).  The curl-up has been selected because it does not involve the assistance of the hip flexor muscles and minimizes compression on 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 CD is played that contains a recorded cadence of 20 push-ups per minute.  The test ends if a student: 1- stops to rest; 2 – does not achieve 90 degree angle with the elbows on each rep; 3 – does not maintain correct body position; 4 – does not extend arms fully.  (Fitnessgram, 1999)

Flexed Arm Hang:  The flexed arm hang is a static test of upper body strength & endurance.  The goal is to hang with the chin above the bar as long as possible.  Only our 1^st & 2^nd graders do this test while we practice and work on our push up form.

Flexibility:

Back Saver Sit & Reach Test: The sit & reach measures predominantly the flexibility of the hamstring muscles.  Both the right and left sides of the body are tested separately to discourage hyperextension.  Normal hamstring flexibility allows rotation of the pelvis in forward bending movements and posterior tilting of the pelvis for proper sitting.

FITNESS AWARDS

End of the year physical fitness awards will be presented to students who are in their healthy fitness zone in all four tests (Push ups, Curl ups, Sit & Reach, and Pacer) during the March testing window.  Students who go above the healthy fitness zone in all four testing areas will receive the SUPER FIT award.

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