FITNESSGRAM
Why FitnessGram?
FitnessGram is the most widely used youth physical fitness assessment, education and reporting tool in the world. Based on Healthy Fitness Zone® standards, created by the
FitnessGram Scientific Advisory Board, FitnessGram uses criterion-based standards, carefully established for each age and gender.
FitnessGram assesses the five components of health-related fitness: Aerobic Capacity, Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance, Flexibility, and Body Composition.
Personalized reports provide objective, feedback and positive reinforcement which are vital to changing behavior. These reports serve as a communications link between teachers, parents, and students.
FitnessGram Scientific Advisory Board, FitnessGram uses criterion-based standards, carefully established for each age and gender.
FitnessGram assesses the five components of health-related fitness: Aerobic Capacity, Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance, Flexibility, and Body Composition.
Personalized reports provide objective, feedback and positive reinforcement which are vital to changing behavior. These reports serve as a communications link between teachers, parents, and students.
Aerobic Capacity
Aerobic capacity is evaluated using estimates of VO2max (also known as maximal oxygen uptake). VO2max reflects the maximum rate that the respiratory, cardiovascular, and muscular systems can take in, transport, and use oxygen during exercise. Good aerobic capacity (cardiorespiratory fitness) has been shown to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, obesity, diabetes, the metabolic syndrome, and some forms of cancer.
FITNESSGRAM provides three field tests to assess aerobic capacity:
All Aerobic Capacity "Healthy Fitness Zone" scores are reported as estimates of VO2max. Higher VO2max scores reflect a greater ability to take in and use oxygen and a greater potential to perform endurance exercise. |
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Body Composition:
Body composition describes what part of total body weight is fat, and what part is fat free. Fat-free body weight includes bones and muscles. Some body fat is needed for overall good health, but too much can lead to health problems. Body composition is one of the components used by FITNESSGRAM to assess health-related fitness.
FITNESSGRAM body composition standards are based on percent body fat. Although an assessment of percent body fat utilizing a bioelectric impendence device or skin-fold assessment would be ideal, practical application in schools is very difficult. Therefore, FITNESSGRAM also provides standards for a widely used alternative indicator of body composition known as Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI is based on weight relative to height and essentially indicates if the weight is appropriate for the height. BMI cannot measure fat directly, but it can help assess health risks related to a body weight that is too great or too little for the height. FITNESSGRAM BMI standards for youth take into account age and gender. FITNESSGRAM believes it is important to educate youth and parents about appropriate levels of body composition. Overweight youth are at a higher risk for becoming overweight adults. Therefore, by maintaining a healthy weight a child can potentially reduce their future risk of health problems; including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Very low levels of body fat may also indicate future health risks. Remember, some fat is necessary for good health. Body composition can be influenced by many factors, including age, gender, and heredity. |
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Muscular Strength, Endurance, and Flexibility
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The below components are combined into one fitness category for FITNESSGRAM, to assess the functional health status of the musculoskeletal system:
FITNESSGRAM recommends tests of the upper body and the abdominal/trunk areas to assess musculoskeletal fitness because of their relationship to activities of daily living, good posture, and back health. The test items and methods are carefully selected to be safe, reliable, and valid. A balanced, healthy functioning musculoskeletal system is able to exert force, resist fatigue, and move freely through a full range of motion. Musculoskeletal fitness helps an individual perform daily activities more easily, reduces the risk of injury, and improves abdominal and back health. Most important, helping children and youth be aware of the status of their muscular strength, endurance and flexibility can carry forward into adulthood, preventing health concerns and improving quality of life. |
What Is the Presidential Youth Fitness Program?The Presidential Youth Fitness Program provides a model for fitness education within a comprehensive, quality physical education program. The program provides resources and tools for physical educators to enhance their fitness education process. This includes:
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Click the above picture to access the parent resource guide to the Presidential Youth Fitness Program.
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