Introduction
Many adults still cringe at the memory of fitness assessments in physical education—especially the dreaded pull-up test done in front of the entire class. Thankfully, contemporary physical education has evolved. The article “Fitness Assessment: Recommendations for an Enjoyable Student Experience” by Sharon R. Phillips, Risto Marttinen, and Kevin Mercier provides a much-needed shift in approach, outlining how fitness assessments can be used not to shame but to educate, motivate, and empower students.
Here’s a summary of the key takeaways from the article, including highlighted results and discussion points.
Key Takeaways
Fitness Assessment Should Be Educational and Year-Long
Fitness assessment must be embedded into a year-round fitness education curriculum rather than a stand-alone event. Students should gain knowledge and understanding about health-related fitness components—like cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition—throughout the year. For example, activities such as the PACER test should be tied to lessons about heart health and endurance.
Students Need to Understand the “Why”
Students are more likely to engage meaningfully in assessments if they understand their purpose. Fitness testing should not feel like “busy work.” Instead, students should know how their fitness scores reflect their current health status and how they can improve those scores for lifelong health benefits.
Make Fitness Assessment Fun
Fun is essential in physical education. The authors suggest integrating enjoyable activities that align with fitness test components. This not only enhances motivation but also positively influences students' attitudes toward physical activity.
Use Criterion-Referenced, Not Norm-Referenced Tests
Criterion-referenced assessments like Fitnessgram® are better suited for promoting lifelong health. These tests provide meaningful, health-related targets rather than comparing students to national averages, which can lead to embarrassment or disengagement.
Highlighted Results and Discussion
The article provides a wealth of practical lesson ideas that support the four recommendations:
Partner PACER: An engaging version of the PACER test where students alternate with a partner, allowing longer performance with rest breaks and a sense of teamwork.
Yoga and Stretching: To improve flexibility and body awareness, the use of yoga (or "restorative stretching") is encouraged. Task cards and storytelling can make these exercises accessible and appealing to all grade levels.
Muscular Endurance Games: Activities like “push-up pinny hockey” and “team negative push-ups” provide fun ways to practice upper-body strength while removing the pressure of traditional assessments.
Fitness Journals and Tracking: Like personal trainers tracking workouts, students can log progress across the year—building self-awareness and ownership over their fitness.
Moreover, the article highlights that positive student attitudes toward fitness assessments are more likely when teachers use Fitnessgram instead of older models like the Presidential Physical Fitness Challenge (PPFC). Data show that even students, especially girls, prefer the PACER to the mile run, reinforcing the importance of student-centered, thoughtful assessment design.
Conclusion
This article provides a vital roadmap for transforming how physical educators approach fitness assessment. By embedding assessments into a broader educational context, making activities enjoyable, and focusing on health-based outcomes rather than comparisons, teachers can foster a supportive environment where all students feel empowered to pursue lifelong fitness.
Rather than dreading the pull-up bar, today’s students can look forward to physical education experiences that are meaningful, motivating, and, most importantly, enjoyable.
Full Article:
Phillips, S. R., Marttinen, R., & Mercier, K. (2017). Fitness Assessment: Recommendations for an Enjoyable Student Experience. Strategies, 30(5), 19–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/08924562.2017.1344168
This blog post was written with the assistance of AI to support clarity and accessibility. It is intended to help disseminate and discuss research findings with a broader audience. However, for the most accurate and reliable information—including conclusions and practical applications—please refer to the original peer-reviewed publication on which this blog is based. The peer-reviewed article remains the most authoritative source.