Let's Play!
Welcome to The FitnessGram Playground
Utilizing the recommended 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per day as a framework, The Cooper Institute partnered with New York City based nonprofit, Hip Hop Public Health to develop a dance-inspired fitness video series. “Our latest collaboration expands upon our growing collection of H.Y.P.E. Breaks designed to Help Young People Energize,” adds Hip Hop Public Health CEO and Executive Director, Lori Rose Benson. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with The Cooper Institute to provide communities with free, fun, standards-based resources that lift up spirits and encourage daily physical activity in school or at home.”
Launched in 2021, this online resource aims to enhance students' physical fitness and mental well-being by tackling low physical activity levels among youth, particularly amid the rise of online learning. With childhood obesity in the U.S. being a major public health issue, this page provides homes and schools access to extensive fitness resources, sponsored by the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and the NFL Foundation.
LEARN • ASSESS • ADDRESS
This collection of fitness videos consists of four, 15-minute segments (equaling 60 minutes total) that focus on aerobic fitness, muscular strength, high intensity interval training and flexibility. Each workout is accompanied by the music of the FitnessGram PACER Test Remix and offers a variety of intensity levels, progressions and modifications. The H.Y.P.E. Breaks do not require any equipment so they can be done anytime, anywhere.
With this FitnessGram online resource, now millions of kids nationwide and thousands of schools will have access to the learning modules, exercise videos, FitnessGram PACER Test Remixes, FitnessGram App and The Kenneth H. Cooper Institute YouTube channel.
FitTalks with FitnessGram are short vignettes that provide explanations and examples of health-related components of fitness, specifically aerobic capacity, body composition, and muscle fitness.
How to Do the PACER Test the Right Way
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Set Up the Space: Mark two lines 20 meters apart in a safe, open area.
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Use the Official Audio Track: The PACER Test audio provides timed beeps to guide participants.
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Start Running: Students run from one line to the other, reaching the line before the beep.
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Keep Going! The pace gradually increases as the test continues. When a student can no longer keep up with the beeps, their score is recorded.
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Celebrate Progress: Encourage students to reflect on their progress and set personal goals for future tests.
"The FitnessGram PACER Test is a multistage aerobic capacity test that progressively gets more difficult as it continues."
Students embark on a rhythmic back-and-forth run, responding to each beep that signals the pace. As the test progresses, the intervals shorten, demanding more speed and stamina. This engaging challenge continues until the student reaches their peak lap score, painting a comprehensive picture of their aerobic capacity.
The PACER Test isn't just a standalone assessment; it's a vital component of the FitnessGram suite. When combined with assessments for muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, and body composition in the FitnessGram software, the PACER Test helps determine if a student requires further support to reach their fitness goals.
The PACER Test score is combined in the FitnessGram software with scores for muscular strength, endurance, flexibility and body composition to determine whether a student is in the Healthy Fitness Zone™ or the Needs Improvement Zone™.
FitnessGram PACER Test Remixes!
Now With New Sounds and New Energy!
Created in collaboration with The Kenneth H. Cooper Institute and Hip Hop Public Health. The new 6-track album revamps the decades-old FitnessGram PACER Test with hip-hop, pop, electronic dance and Latin-inspired beats, bringing a dance party vibe and motivating students throughout the 22-minute test. Narrated in Spanish and English, the updated sound encourages students with positive “shout outs” and the harsh beeps have been replaced with new “lap” tones and “level” sounds that indicate when the test is about to get a little faster so they can form a lasting appreciation for physical fitness. The album also includes instrumental versions of the tracks that can be used for practice or as a fun soundtrack to any fitness activity. The PACER Test Remixes! powered by Hip Hop Public Health can be downloaded on any major streaming platform such as Spotify, Apple Music, I Heart Radio or YouTube. And NOW, by request, we have the Ad-free version of the traditional PACER TEST recording, in both MP3 and MP4 formats.
The Kenneth H. Cooper Institute Channel: Youth Fitness at Home
The Cooper Institute YouTube Channel contains a variety of quick exercise videos, including 15-minute, no equipment workouts. These videos can be fun and challenging for the whole family.
Keep kids active and healthy with this playlist of videos designed to improve physical fitness, muscular strength, and aerobic capacity. Use them in class or do them at home together as a family. Great for home schoolers, these Fit Tips can be fun for everyone! Work out with Andjelka Pavlovic, KHCI's Director of Research & Education. Get fit and have fun!
Streamlined Fitness Assessment
at Your Fingertips!
Take FitnessGram Anywhere!
The FitnessGram App is designed for teachers, homeschoolers, parents, and students who want to make the most of FitnessGram—now right at your fingertips. Track progress, access resources, and stay engaged with student wellness anytime, anywhere. If your school already participates in FitnessGram, the app is now available for your students to track and record their personal fitness activities. If you homeschool, or are a parent wanting to utilize the app, contact us today.
Ready to help your
students thrive with at home resources?
Discover how the latest FitnessGram makes fitness tracking easier, more engaging, and more impactful for your students. Sign up with your name and email below for exclusive access to a brief demo to see the new features designed to support student health and wellness. Don't miss out – experience the future of youth fitness today!