Portage Phys Ed Completes Fitnessgram

phs-floorThe Portage High School physical education department recently completed the Fitnessgram testing program of all physical education students. Fitnessgram is a comprehensive educational, reporting, and promotional tool used to assess physical fitness and physical activity levels for children. The students are tested at the beginning and end of each semester. The initial test is used as a baseline score and the second test is used to measure growth and improvement.

The students are tested in three fitness areas: the pacer test; which is a running test, push-ups, and sit ups. The students' height and weight are also taken at the beginning and the end of the semester. Physical education teachers then input the scores into the Fitnessgram web based program. Students then can view their scores and compare them to national standards for healthy children.

Throughout the semester the importance of physical fitness and living a healthy life are stressed. A variety of activities are used to increase the students' fitness levels and promote lifelong fitness. Overall, since the implementation of the Fitnessgram testing program student awareness, excitement, and dedication to their own individual health levels has increased dramatically.