7th Grade Fitness Test Page - "The Combine & Nike Sparq"

During the 7th grade in Early Light Academy students are exposed to weekly fitness testing called "The Combine". The Combine is a series of fitness tests or evaluations used by the NBA, NFL, MLS and numerous other professional sports organizations. There are no sports skills presented during each test. Instead, the student is asked to preform a unique fitness test to evaluate a certain physical skill such as explosion, vertical leap, speed or agility.

Below is a video of Tim Tebow during the NFL Combine:



Below is an advertisement for the Nike Sparq Test:



Each student is required to record each test using their Fitness Test Journal (Link Below). Their results and a test reflection will be recorded in their journal. Here is a quick recap of what is required in each Fitness Test Journal entry:

- Drawing a description of weekly fitness test
- Personal results of each test
- Reflection paragraph on test and results received


This is a very exciting and unique opportunity for 7th grade students to learn about professional testing procedures used by the NFL, NBA and the MLS. Students will also be able compare and contrast their results and see their personal growth. Below are links to each weekly test given to aid in reflection and prepare the student for each upcoming challenge. There is also a link to the recommended Fitness Test Journal created by Mead.

- Recommended Fitness Test Journal

Presidential and Fit-Gram Fitness Tests

Presidential Fitness & Fit-Gram Testing

Each Fall and Spring along with the NFL Combine, students will participate in the Presidential and Fitness Gram physical fitness testing. These are the two nationally recognized fitness tests and students at ELA will do both! A unique article highlighting the difference in the tests can be found by clicking here

Students required to hit a specific target in each test in order to be "physically fit" the standards can be found in the following links

- Presidential Standards
- Fitness Gram Standards

The tests combine a series of tests that challenge the students entire body and does a great job determining the fitness of the student. Each testing system is slightly different and I feel each is necessary for a complete body understanding. Below is a link to articles explaining each test within the testing systems. Please keep in mind that we do not do the skin fold test represented within the Fitness Gram system.

Presidential
Fitness Gram

Here are 2 videos highlighting the Presidential Fitness Test and the fabled Pacer or Beep Test in the Fitness Gram. Although not as exciting as the videos above these videos show techniques for success!

YMCA Presidential Fitness Test



Fabled Pace or Beep Test