America's youth fitness test updated

More than two decades after its last update, the physical fitness test many of us did in school is getting a makeover, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Just in time for the new school year, the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition announced that the former physical fitness test is now the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, and will focus primarily on assessing health rather than athleticism of America's youth.

Since fewer than one in five youth get the exercise they need and high rates of childhood obesity are sweeping the nation, the program recognizes the importance of motivating children to get active, whether through sports or physical activity on the playground, in the park or in the backyard.

Research shows nearly one in three children are overweight and one in six are considered obese. These numbers can have a major effect as youth grow into adults. Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults.

Since 1966, the Youth Fitness Test has been used to assess physical fitness. The updated program will provide training and resources to schools for assessing, tracking and recognizing youth health-related fitness.

Support available to all schools includes web-based access to test protocol, standards for testing, calculators for aerobic capacity and body composition, promotion of the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award, online training, and school recognition programs.

Schools and districts can also purchase additional resources, such as data management, reporting software and testing aids, to enhance the program.

To learn more about the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, visit www.presidentialyouthfitnessprogram.org.