The annual fitness test took place on March 20 from 8:30-10:30 a.m at the gym and field. This test is a graduation requirement and an assessment of student health that ranges from running to stretching. Advisement teachers supervised student performance based on the six elements of fitness: abdominal strength, aerobic capacity, body composition, flexibility and upper body strength.

“We get the test information out early to the teachers in charge of the various classes and inform them of what is going to be expected in terms of the six elements of fitness, and they prepare on their own as they see fit,” football head coach and physical education teacher Peter Abe said.

All high school students are required to take at least two years of physical fitness whether that is Fit4Life, marching band, color guard, dance, court sports or seasonal sports. By requiring students to be active on a regular schedule, the California Department of Education hopes that students form athletic, healthy lifestyles.

“I am in a sport, so I’m always running and doing conditioning, so I feel I did well on the mile,” freshman and baseball player Daniel Guerrero Rodriguez said. “In my opinion, it really isn’t [an accurate test]. Some people don’t try their hardest, so it really isn’t accurate, but I do try.”

Many freshmen feel that the fitness test does not accurately measure the ability of students. Some remark that the process is not very serious because students can easily lie about their push-ups and sit-ups numbers and lack of effort is common on the test. Students often compare their scores, which can lead to low self-esteem in students that do not have the same athletic capabilities as others.

“If students stay active more consistently, they will not be so nervous during the test,” dance instructor and physical education teacher Samantha Gardner said. “I think also learning about body image and positive body awareness would help alleviate everyone’s anxiety about it.”