FITNESSGRAM® Overview

The FITNESSGRAM® is the required Physical Fitness Test (PFT) administered to all 5th, 7th, and 9th grade students in California public schools. The primary goal for the FITNESSGRAM® is to establish lifelong habits of regular physical activity. Recent studies have also shown a positive correlation between cardiovascular activity and better grades. The FITNESSGRAM® is a good tool to identify what areas students are strong in and what areas need more attention.

There are many benefits that come from exercising: more energy, enhanced ability to cope with stress, improved self image, appetite and weight control, ability to counter anxiety and depression, ability to fall asleep (and sleep well), and it provides an easy way to share an activity with friends.

The FITNESSGRAM® tests three main areas:

• Aerobic Endurance:
  • PACER Test
• Body Composition:
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) Test
• Muscular Strength, Endurance and Flexibility
  • Curl-up Test
  • Push-up Test
  • Trunk Lift Test
  • Sit and Reach or Shoulder Stretch Test

We recommend that physical activity is a daily routine for your child. However, preparation and training for the FITNESSGRAM® should take place at least six weeks before the test is to be administered. The entire test should last under one hour and parents are welcome to stay and cheer on their children.

FITNESSGRAM® Tests

Here is a brief description of the six exercises that will be on the FITNESSGRAM® test: Students will need to complete either the Stretch and Reach or the Shoulder Stretch.

1. PACER (Progressive, Aerobic, Cardiovascular, Endurance, Run): A back and forth run across a 20 meter space that gets progressively faster each minute.
2. BMI: Calculated by using a specific formula that requires the student’s height and weight; no calipers.
3. Curl-ups: Sit-ups but end before the hips come off the ground and the feet remain on the ground.
4. Push-ups: Completed on hands and toes, no knees (even for girls).
5. Trunk Lift: Performed by having the student lie face down with arms to the side. Lift head as high as possible and be able to hold the position. Student will be measured from the ground to the students chin. Max height is 12 inches.
6. Sit and reach: Performed by sitting on the ground with one leg fully extended and the foot pushed up against the box, no bending of knees. The student leans forward as far as possible with a maximum stretch of 12 inches per leg.
7. Shoulder Stretch: Reach one arm above and behind your head and the other behind your back clutch fingers together. Switch arms and do the opposite. Fingers touching is considered a pass.

FITNESSGRAM® Video

Click on the link below to view a fun and informative video on how to complete the FITNESSGRAM® activities.

• FITNESSGRAM Video

Related Links to FITNESSGRAM

• California Department of Education FITNESSGRAM (PFT)

• Healthy Fitness Zones

• Frequently Asked Questions about the FITNESSGRAM

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact either Lisa Simmons at (619) 772-7743, lsimmons@juliancharterschool.org, or Elena Hanley at (760) 703-9824, ehanley@juliancharterschool.org.