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Why do fitness testing at all, and why Fitnessgram in particular? The Fitnessgram physical fitness assessment is based not on athletic ability, but on good health. No matter what children grow up to become, they will live happier, more productive lives if they are healthy—and physical fitness is vital to overall health. Fitnessgram provides accurate and reliable information about children's levels of physical fitness. The Fitnessgram test (and report) includes a number of different assessments because fitness has multiple components. Some kids may have good muscular fitness but need improvement on aerobic fitness. By having a complete report, you (and your child) will know more about their overall level of physical condition and how it can be improved.
Physical activity and physical fitness are not the same thing. Participation in regular physical activity leads to improvements in physical fitness and provides many important health benefits. This is well documented, and has been neatly summarized in widely publicized documents such as the Surgeon General's Report called Physical Activity and Health (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1996). To quote one point from the "General Conclusions" section of that report:
"Physical activity reduces the risk of premature mortality in general, and of coronary artery disease, hypertension, colon cancer, and diabetes mellitus in particular. Physical activity also improves mental health and is important for the health of muscles, bones, and joints."
Physical fitness (an outcome associated with participation in physical activity) also has been shown to be important for health and quality of life. Assessments of physical fitness provide an effective way to evaluate overall physical condition and potential risk for negative health outcomes. Physical fitness is also more easily assessed than physical activity since it doesn't vary on a day-to-day basis. It is important to note that physical fitness is also influenced by factors that are out of a person's control (for example, genetics). While not everyone can be an elite athlete, most people can achieve healthy levels of fitness by performing the recommended amounts of physical activity.
For a more detailed description of the health benefits of physical activity and fitness in children, see pages 10-27 of the Fitnessgram Reference Guide.
United States
Patty Lehn
PattyL@hkusa.com
800-747-4457, ext. 2248
Canada
Christine Traverse
ChristineT@hkcanada.com
1-800-465-7301, ext. 11
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