Fitness is an essential aspect of our lives, and as humans, it’s within our nature to engage in activities that boost our overall well-being. However, achieving fitness goals can be a daunting and challenging task, and most people abandon their fitness journey midway due to various reasons. Fortunately, with the advent of technological advancements, we have fitness tools such as Fitnessgram that help us improve our fitness levels. In this article, we will delve into the tips and tricks of how you can improve your fitness using Fitnessgram.
Before we get started, let’s understand what Fitnessgram is all about. Fitnessgram is a comprehensive fitness assessment tool designed to evaluate students’ physical fitness based on their sex and age. It was developed by The Cooper Institute and adopted by several schools and fitness centers worldwide. It offers tailored assessments on various areas such as cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility.
1. Cardiovascular Endurance Assessment
Cardiovascular exercise is an essential aspect of our overall fitness. It refers to exercises that aim to improve our heart and lung function. Fitnessgram uses the Pacer test, commonly known as the beep test, to assess cardiovascular endurance. The test involves running back and forth between two cones, with the pace increasing as the test progresses. Fitnessgram assesses your endurance level based on the number of laps you complete before fatigue sets in.
Tip: To improve your cardiovascular endurance, engage in exercises such as running, cycling, or swimming at least three times a week.
2. Muscular Strength and Endurance Assessment
Muscular strength and endurance refer to the ability of your muscles to generate force and sustain activities, respectively. Fitnessgram assesses muscular strength and endurance through the push-up and curl-up tests. The push-up test measures upper body strength, while the curl-up test measures core strength.
Tip: Engage in strength training exercises such as push-ups, squats, and lunges to improve muscular strength and endurance.
3. Flexibility Assessment
Flexibility refers to the range of motion in your joints and muscles. Fitnessgram assesses flexibility through the sit and reach test, where you sit on the ground and stretch forward to reach your toes.
Tip: To improve flexibility, engage in stretching exercises such as yoga and Pilates regularly.
In conclusion, Fitnessgram is an excellent tool for assessing and improving your fitness levels. By understanding the different assessments that Fitnessgram offers, you can tailor your fitness routine to improve on your weaknesses and achieve your fitness goals. Remember to engage in exercises that you enjoy and be patient with yourself as you progress on your fitness journey.
