Fitness and Fitness Testing

Fitness and Fitness Testing
fitness

Fitness testing

At Mesa the students who participate in Wellness are required to take part in fitness testing on order for the Wellness teachers, as well as the student and their family, to track their fitness progress throughout their time here at Mesa. Fitness testing

What is physical fitness?

Physical fitness is “the ability to carry out daily tasks with vigor and alertness, without undue fatigue, and with ample energy to enjoy leisure-time pursuits and respond to emergencies.”(p.53) US Department of Health and Human Services. 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Washington, DC: US Department of Health and Human Services; 2008. http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/guidelines/

Fitness may be either health- or skill-related. Health-related fitness promotes cardiovascular and muscular health and prevents chronic conditions. Health-related fitness may be an indicator of health or health risks in young people. IOM (Institute of Medicine). Fitness Measures and Health Outcomes in Youth. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2012. 


HEALTH-RELATED FITNESS INCLUDES: 

     Heart Health.pngCardiorespiratory Endurance (or aerobic capacity) 
              Heart Health.pngMuscular Strength      Heart Health.png Flexibility         
                              Heart Health.pngMuscular Endurance 
        Heart Health.pngBody composition/BMI/Height and Weight (all optional)

Alternatively, performance or skill-related fitness typically focuses on improving agility, balance, speed, power, coordination, and reaction time.


A national standard for physical education states that a student demonstrates the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness.
Is physical fitness assessment part of a quality physical education program? Yes.


A quality physical education program includes four components:

1. Curriculum
2. Policies and environment
3. Instruction
4. Student assessment

Student assessment covers:

-Fitness Knowledge
-Out-of-school assignments
-Motor skills
-Physical activity

What is the purpose of fitness education?

Fitness education and student fitness assessments offer students an opportunity to assess, track, and improve their fitness level. Fitness testing and education provide instructional strategies on fitness, ways to recognize students’ fitness and physical activity achievements, and communication tools to promote awareness and understanding of the fitness education and assessment process.