Pleasanton Students In Pretty Good Shape

Students in the Pleasanton Unified School District are in good physical shape compared to students across California.

Those were the findings in a report on California physical fitness released on Thursday by state Superintendent Tom Torlakson.

The results were not a surprise to school district officials.

"We live in a community where health and fitness are important," said Cindy Galbo, the assistant superintendent of education services. "We make it a priority."

She noted there are physical education programs for students in elementary, middle and high schools throughout the district.

Elementary students are required to have two 45-minute exercise classes a week taught by a certified fitness instructor.

Middle school and high-school students have regular physical ed classes.

The state report from the 2009-2010 school year measured students in fifth, seventh and ninth grades. Each grade had six activity categories.

At Pleasanton schools, 90 percent of fifth-graders met the "healthy fitness zone" requirements for aerobic capacity while 85 percent hit that standard for body composition.

In abdominal strength, 84 percent of fifth-graders were in the zone while 88 percent met the goals in trunk extensor strength.

In upper body strength, 74 percent of fifth-graders met the standards while 77 percent hit the target in flexibility.

In Pleasanton, 90 percent of seventh-graders met the "healthy fitness zone" requirements for aerobic capacity while 85 percent hit that standard for body composition.

In abdominal strength, 92 percent of seventh-graders were in the zone while 88 percent met the goals in trunk extensor strength.

In upper body strength, 75 percent of seventh-graders met the standards while 72 percent hit the target in flexibility.

In Pleasanton, 87 percent of ninth-graders met the "healthy fitness zone" requirements for aerobic capacity while 85 percent hit that standard for body composition.

In abdominal strength, 96 percent of ninth-graders were in the zone while 98 percent met the goals in trunk extensor strength.

In upper body strength, 92 percent of ninth-graders met the standards while 98 percent hit the target in flexibility.

In most categories, Pleasanton students were significantly above California students.

Statewide, 65 percent of fifth-graders met the "healthy fitness zone" requirements for aerobic capacity while 69 percent hit that standard for body composition.

In abdominal strength, 80 percent of fifth-graders were in the zone while 88 percent met the goals in trunk extensor strength.

In upper body strength, 69 percent of fifth-graders met the standards while 70 percent hit the target in flexibility.

Statewide, 67 percent of seventh-graders met the "healthy fitness zone" requirements for aerobic capacity while 69 percent hit that standard for body composition.

In abdominal strength, 85 percent of seventh-graders were in the zone while 90 percent met the goals in trunk extensor strength.

In upper body strength, 73 percent of seventh-graders met the standards while 78 percent hit the target in flexibility.

Statewide, 64 percent of ninth-graders met the "healthy fitness zone" requirements for aerobic capacity while 71 percent hit that standard for body composition.

In abdominal strength, 87 percent of ninth-graders were in the zone while 92 percent met the goals in trunk extensor strength.

In upper body strength, 77 percent of ninth-graders met the standards while 82 percent hit the target in flexibility.