Sports & Fitness Polls

Resources > Polls > Fitness Testing > Children Age

What age is appropriate to start fitness testing children?

Fitness testing is being conducted in many primary (elementary) schools, particularly in the push to reduce the incidence of obesity and low fitness levels in young people. Some critics believe that fitness testing should not be conducted on children, but at what age can it be done? What do you think is the most appropriate age to start fitness testing children? If you don't agree on any fitness testing, you have the option not to test anyone.

What age is appropriate to start fitness testing children?

less than 5 years
5 or 6 years
7 or 8 years
9 or 10 years
11 or 12 years
13 or 14 years
15 years and older
Don't test anyone!

Related Pages

comments powered by Disqus

Old Comments

  • I see no reason why children should not be included in fitness testing protocols. The key is to make the testing appropriate and safe for the age group in question. For example, children under 12 or 13 probably shouldn't be doing 1RM testing of any type since they don't have the training history and body type ready for heavy lifting. However, what's wrong with various jump testing (vertical, long), various sprinting distances, agility testing, push-ups, planks for time and various throws and kicking tests? These all seem reasonable and would be fun for many kids as well. (from Keats Snideman, Jan 2012)

fitness testing 101
fitness testing 101