Physical Fitness Testing

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    Ongoing fitness assessment is used as part of the continuous process of helping children understand, enjoy, improve, and maintain their physical health and well-being.  The test results are shared privately with the children as a tool for developing their physical fitness knowledge and understanding.  Physical fitness testing occurs twice a year, in the Fall and in the Spring.  As part of the physical education program, the coaches physically prepare children so they can safely complete each component of testing. 

The Missouri Physical Fitness Assessment measures the following components of fitness that have been identified as being important because of their relationship to overall wellness and learning. 

1)      Aerobic Capacity
2)      Abdominal Muscular Strength/Endurance
3)      Upper Body Muscular Strength/Endurance
4)      Flexibility

The fitness program for assessment classifies fitness levels using discrete zones to allow for more personalized feedback. The two primary zones are the Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) and the Needs Improvement (NI) Zone.


The goal in fitness testing is for children to achieve the Healthy Fitness Zone on as many assessments as possible.  Because only modest amounts of activity are needed to obtain health benefits, most students who perform regular physical activity will be able to achieve a score that will place them within or above the Healthy Fitness Zone on most test items.  If children are in the Healthy Fitness Zone they are considered to have sufficient fitness for good health.  Needs Improvement (NI) zone indicates that if the student continues to track at this level there is the potential for future health risks. However, this potential is possible, not probable.  Increased activity as well as eating a healthy controlled diet could delay or reverse this potential risk.

Component of Health-related Fitness
Definition
Fitness Test
Aerobic Capacity
The ability to perform large muscle, high intensity exercise for prolonged periods.
Muscular Strength

The ability of the muscles to exert an external force.

Muscular Endurance
The ability of the muscles to exert themselves repeatedly.
Flexibility
The range in motion available in a joint. 





  As noted in the table above, the students perform several assessments to determine their current fitness level.  The link below provides the benchmark standards needed for Healthy Fitness Zone.  


Healthy Fitness Zone Standards link