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.
When the poll was closed in 2025, starting testing children from age 7 or 8 was considered the most appropriate age.
the results when the poll was archived in 2025Disclaimer: These polls are not scientific, and only reflect the opinion of visitors to this website who have chosen to participate.
Related Pages
- More fitness testing polls, and all sport and fitness polls.
- fitness testing children
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Old Comments
Commenting is closed on this page, though you can read some previous comments below which may answer some of your questions.
- 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)
