Last week, the intermediate grades completed the initial PACER test. The Fitnessgram assessment tool is the most widely used youth physical fitness assessment. The PACER test evaluates aerobic capacity which is essentially how efficiently our hearts transport blood to the rest of our body.
According to the Cooper Institute, "Aerobic capacity is perhaps the most important
component of any fitness program. Research indicates
that acceptable levels of aerobic capacity are
associated with a reduced risk of high blood pressure,
coronary heart disease, obesity, diabetes, some
forms of cancer, and other health problems in adults."
So when your Wildcat asks why they have to do the PACER test in PE, please assure them of the importance of cardiovascular health :) The 20 meter PACER test progressively gets more difficult as it continues - the running speed starts slowly, but gets faster each minute. They run as long as possible - the second time they are unable to complete a lap before the sound, their test is over.
Students fall into one of three categories - 1) Healthy Fitness Zone 2) Needs Improvement 3) Needs Improvement - Health Risk. If you would like more information on how these ranges are determined, check out this link - http://www.cooperinstitute.org/healthyfitnesszone
Even though the PACER test is a nationally recognized test, it is important to remember that many factors could impact the results (ie amount of sleep the night before, a good healthy breakfast, activity level outside of school, maturation, motivation, etc).
That being said, I have some homework for you :) If these Wildcats are going to improve their cardiovascular system, they need to be getting at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK! Take a walk in the evening, play at the park, go on a scavenger hunt out on the trails - just move! Keep up the hard work!
Thanks for checking in!
Miss Stone
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