L. Physical Fitness

PHYSICAL FITNESS

Physical fitness helps maintain proper weight and prevent obesity, diabetes, and its associated risks. The table below shows that Orange County 5th, 7th, and 9th grade students perform better or on par with statewide averages when comparing aerobic capacity, body composition, abdominal strength, trunk extension strength, upper body strength, and flexibility.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources, regular physical activity can produce longterm health benefits including prevention of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke (the three leading health-related causes of death), control weight, reduce fat, promote strong bone, muscle, and joint development, condition heart and lungs, build overall strength and endurance, improve sleep, decrease potential for becoming depressed, increased energy and self-esteem, relieve stress, and ultimately increase your chances of living longer.

2017-18 California Physical Fitness Report: Percentage of Students, by Grade, in Need of Physical Improvement by Fitness Area % Grade 5 Students in Need of Improvement % Grade 7 Students in Need of Improvement % Grade 9 Students in Need of Improvement

Physical Fitness Area OC CA Above/ Below OC CA Above/ Below OC CA

Above/ Below

Aerobic Capacity 25.6% 31.4% ● 19.9% 26.4% ● 18.6% 24.6% ● Body Composition 17.8% 19.2% ● 17.5% 19.2% ● 16.4% 18.9% ● Abdominal Strength 27.0% 29.9% ● 18.1% 21.6% ● 12.5% 17.6% ● Trunk Extension Strength 13.9% 16.1% ● 12.7% 13.4% ● 10.5% 10.4% ● Upper Body Strength 34.4% 38.0% ● 31.3% 35.3% ● 22.2% 30.3% ● Flexibility 26.6% 28.5% ● 17.8% 20.6% ● 14.0% 15.7% ●

Total Students 35,146 458,099 36,172 455,075 37,218 446,738

Source: California Department of Education