"The average 30 year old Canadian is in about the same physical shape as the average 60 year old Swede."
This, in a study on Canada's fitness in the late 1960s.
The result: ParticipACTION, Canada's huge attempt to test and reinforce its citizens' fitness levels. From grades 3 through 8, if you were in elementary school between the late 1970s and 1990, you did the test. Most of us can remember clear details, either high or low, about the tests. As for me, I probably finished a solid "Participant" in every single test.
Interestingly, many folks blame their failure at the test for their future hate of all things exercise-related. I don't think that's fair. It WAS embarrassing to fail miserably at the flexed-arm hang…..but 30 years later? Maybe I'll do better this time!
The tests:
Pushups. No time limit. Maximum continuous reps.
10m Shuttle Run
Situps No time limit. Maximum continuous reps.
Standing Long Jump
50m Run
1-mile run
Flexed-arm hang for time.
Scoring: Download Download Fitness_test