How Fit Are Clayton Students?

Clayton students tested to determine their overall fitness graded higher than their peers across the state, according to a study released by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson on Thursday.

The study looked at students at the three grade levels — fifth, seventh and ninth — and tested them on six physical attributes: aerobic capacity, body composition, abdominal strength, trunk extensor strength, upper body strength and flexibility.

At , 494 freshman took the test and in all six categories at least 70 percent passed. The high school students scored best on the abdominal and trunk exercises, with 93 percent passing in each category.

seventh graders were also exceptional in the abdominal and trunk exercises, with all 84 students who took the test passing it. The students lowest category was flexibility, with 71 percent making the grade.

For the fifth graders, flexibility was again the lowest score. Of the 155 students who took the test, only 45 percent were deemed healthy when it came to their flexibility level. Like the seventh and ninth graders, the elementary school students scored well on the abdominal exercises, with 92 percent passing.

Torlakson, who was a long time cross country and track coach, announced a statewide campaign to improve the health of Califonia's 6.2 million students. The campaign aims to link schools with community leaders and athletes to foster new partnerships and put a spotlight on local efforts to encourage students to get more exercise – both at school and at home.

"Nothing is more important than the health of our children, and today's results show that many of them need a helping hand to get fit and stay in shape," Torlakson said. "The Team California for Healthy Kids campaign will help students adopt the healthy habits that will help them succeed in the classroom today – and help them stay healthy over a lifetime."