For the first time in 47 years, the President’s test for physical fitness will not be a requirement for the 2013-2014 school year.
Since 1966, the federal government has measured students’ physical abilities through a comprehensive physical fitness test. We all have memories of the test (fond or otherwise), but for most of us it was our introduction to a philosophical cornerstone of physical education, the five components of fitness:Cardiovascular Fitness - the ability of the heart, lungs and vascular system to deliver oxygen-rich blood to working muscles during sustained physical activity.
Muscular Strength - the amount of force a muscle or muscle group can exert against resistance.
Muscular Endurance - the ability of a muscle or muscle group to repeat a movement many times or to hold a particular position for an extended period of time.
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Flexibility - the ability of a joint to move through its full range of motion.
Body Composition - the amount of fat in the body vs. lean mass (muscle, bones etc.) often done by a pinch test.
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It’s often difficult to see the direct application of many school lessons to our daily adult lives. If you’re over 20, how often do you need a geometry proof to get through the day? With PE, the wisdom of those early lessons becomes more obvious as we strive to maintain the functional fitness we may have taken for granted in our youth.
Like many enduring philosophies, the five components of fitness have evolved through the years, and now often include balance and posture. The Mayo Clinic recommends a well-rounded exercise routine that includes aerobic fitness, muscular fitness, stretching, core exercise and balance training. Some physical therapists determine fitness using the five domains: posture, strength, balance, flexibility and endurance.
At RydeOn!, we continually strive to keep you at the top of the class. Until recently, a typical RydeOn! workout easily fulfilled 3.5 of the 5 components of fitness: cardio, strength, endurance and some balance/core exercise. Starting this September, we’re adding flexibility training and focused core work. RydeOn! 9:15am weekday classes will feature in-depth stretching, and core exercises will be added to the 9:15am Friday class. As long-time RydeOn! family members know, if you regularly attend class, it’s darn near-impossible for your body composition to remain stagnant. If you manage that trick, Brigid has some remedial ryding for you.
Looking for a free way to measure your fitness, now that you’re all grown up? The President’s challenge program offers an adult fitness test. Though your peers may not be forced to watch you receive a patch and certificate commemorating your superior physical prowess, it’s still a great way to chart your fitness journey. . . . Sure it is, but who are we kidding?!? Getting a patch would be cool; receiving it in front of a mandatory assembly of your co-workers would be AWESOME! The compulsory student fitness test may be dead, but the adult fitness test has some definite possibilities. Email your senator, today!