Youth Fitness Testing Essay Example

Council on Youth Fitness advises the President, through the Secretary of Health and Human Services, on matters related to physical activity, fitness, and sports. It also suggests programs aimed at promoting regular physical activity for overall health among all Americans. On the other hand, as mentioned by fitness.gov, the President's Citizens Advisory Committee on the Fitness of American Youth serves as a catalyst agency with objectives to educate, stimulate, motivate, and inspire local communities and individuals to embrace active lifestyles. This was a crucial step in gaining national attention regarding fitness levels. During these meetings,several recommendations were put forth including increasing public awareness about establishing and maintaining fitness challenges.

Popularizing and promoting fitness among young people is crucial. Research must be conducted to identify the specific type and quantity of fitness activities. Involving existing organizations like the Boy and Girl Scouts, YMCA, and others in out-of-school programs is recommended.

Funds for programs and initiatives should be provided by private industry, foundations, and community chests. Additionally, a larger portion of tax revenues should be allocated to community recreation. Schools should devote more time, equipment, and personnel to physical education, specifically targeting less athletically inclined children rather than solely focusing on "super stars". Furthermore, it is crucial to enhance the standards and reputation of the physical education profession.

Moreover, there needs to be an expansion in community recreational facilities while also maximizing the utilization of current ones. Lastly, regular medical exams are imperative for all children.

Improving leadership is necessary for physical activity at home, in schools, and communities. Adults must be role models for physical fitness to create equal opportunities for girls. In my view, the Kraus-Webber test accurately exposes

America's fitness problem. I believe that every American (except the elderly and infants) should be capable of performing this relatively simple test. Many argue that the Kraus-Webber test is currently the most effective measure of muscular fitness in the United States, and I somewhat agree. The results of this test depict a clear picture of our country's poor fitness levels.

If I had my preference, I would design a slightly more demanding test to accurately evaluate the physical fitness of young individuals around the globe. Even integrating a small portion of running into the examination would enhance its effectiveness. The "fitness gram" was introduced by AAHPERD in 1982, as mentioned by fitnessgram.

The FitnessGram is a useful tool for physical education teachers to communicate with parents about their children's fitness levels. It evaluates students in different aspects of health-related fitness, including cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. The FitnessGram consists of three parts, starting with Aerobic Capacity. This part includes assessments like the PACER test, one mile run or walk, and a walk test.

The second section encompasses Body composition, encompassing percent body fat and body mass index. The third section involves Muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility, which comprise abdominal stretch and endurance, trunk extensors and endurance, upper body strength and endurance, and flexibility. In my opinion, this test is a more comprehensive and practical assessment of fitness in children compared to the Kraus-Webber test. It is considerably more demanding and applicable to physical fitness.

Large classes with limited time may find the test's lengthy duration impractical, as it takes several days to complete instead of being done in one session. The National Physical Fitness

Award was created in 1985 as a result of the National School Population Fitness Survey. This award acknowledged students who scored between the 50th and 85th percentiles on the Presidential Physical Fitness Test, as well as those who achieved above the 85th percentile and received the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. By establishing this award, children were effectively encouraged to prioritize their fitness. Any kind of award is appealing to children and can significantly enhance their motivation to engage in physical activity.

The NCYFS, initiated in 1984 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Offices for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, aimed to assess the fitness levels of children aged ten to seventeen. The study involved five tests and a questionnaire addressing physical activities, nutrition, and television viewing habits. In 1987, additional research was carried out as part of the study.

S. Department of Health and Human Services Offices for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion conducted the NCYFS II study. The study involved children aged six to nine and included five tests and a questionnaire on physical activities, nutrition, and television viewing. The findings indicated a noticeable rise in percent body fat since 1960. Additionally, the study revealed a low performance on the 1-mile test, which assesses cardiorespiratory fitness (36).

Only 3% of students took part in daily physical education programs at school, while 50% of the total percentage (36.3%) engaged in vigorous physical activity. I am grateful for the investigation into children's personal activities and their level of physical exertion. Moreover, I appreciate the simplicity of the five-part physical fitness test as it provides both a challenging experience and saves time. It is clear that we

have made advancements since the Kraus-Webber test, and it is crucial that we persistently aim for enhancement.

Despite significant progress and increased awareness of physical fitness in the United States, the same issue persists. People are increasingly encouraged to be sedentary through new advancements such as watching television or playing video games instead of being active. Moreover, our reliance on technological conveniences for work and transportation further discourages physical activity. It is imperative that we continue striving to lead America back onto the correct path towards physical fitness.

The problem in America can be addressed by implementing a few ideas. To begin with, I suggest increasing the intensity and frequency of physical education classes. This could involve making them a daily occurrence so that students engage in regular physical activity during school hours, leaving no room for sedentary behavior. It is important to acknowledge that my perspective may be biased as an active child, and I understand that this solution is not widely accepted. However, it remains the only approach I know of that can significantly impact the issue we face.

Furthermore, it is crucial to enhance parenting practices. Parents should take responsibility for their children's diet and ensure they spend less time being inactive. By holding parents accountable for these factors, we can contribute towards resolving the problem.

I grew up with a rule that prohibited me from watching TV during the day. Instead, my brother and I would spend our time outdoors, creating games and enjoying ourselves. This childhood experience has fueled my passion for staying active. I strongly believe that more parents should adopt this approach by encouraging their children to explore outside and tap into

their creativity. In these difficult times, we need to take extraordinary measures if we want to see positive changes in physical education across the country. Additionally, schools have a responsibility to regulate the food options available to students. By providing healthier alternatives, we can prevent children from consuming unhealthy foods that often result in low energy levels and decreased motivation for physical activities.

Despite the unpopularity of this solution, I firmly believe that it will ultimately be worth it. Although America is facing a problem, we should not simply accept it. There are various actions that can be taken to promote a healthier America.

Work Cited

1. National Children and Youth Fitness Study
2. Highbeam Article on Promoting Health in America