What is FitnessGram?

About FitnessGram

The Cooper Institute developed the FitnessGram assessment to measure student physical fitness levels. FitnessGram assesses health-related components of fitness of more than 10 million students across the country in over 20,000 schools.

How It Started

Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, the "Father of Aerobics" and founder of The Cooper Institute, recognized the need to improve youth fitness and promote physical education. In 1982, FitnessGram by The Cooper Institute was born as the "first student fitness report card” to give meaningful feedback about student fitness levels and support physical education in schools. FitnessGram assesses the physical fitness of a child based on the scientifically-established Healthy Fitness Zone® standards that indicate a lower risk of chronic diseases later in life. Schools and school districts adopt FitnessGram to make data-driven decisions about physical education programs that develop youth fitness and support overall health.

The Cooper Institute

Why FitnessGram?

FitnessGram Assessment and Software Work Together to Improve Overall Student Health and Achievement

Students need daily physical activity to support healthy growth and cognitive development. We must continue to build an active school environment that supports daily physical activity, quality physical education, recess and sports participation. Over 35 years of research, evaluation, validation, and enhancement by our Scientific Advisory Board have made FitnessGram the most trusted and widely-used fitness assessment, education and reporting tool in the world.

We can’t manage what we don’t measure. Data from FitnessGram drives decisions, allowing parents, students and school leaders to build the healthy habits kids need to be successful Well. Into the Future.

FitnessGram Data Can:

  • Track trends and changes in fitness levels over time
  • Examine associations between fitness and academic achievement and attendance
  • Enhance the effectiveness of physical education programs
  • Help create healthy school environments focused on prevention
  • Foster communication between parents, teachers and students
  • Identify areas of need for program funding