Just saw this on CNN's website: http://tinyurl.com/5jwqd6

Really!!  Did anyone really have fun doing those tests growing up and want to re-live those moments in PE class? Apparently someone, though I know my kids now don't look forward to it, and it doesn't sound like the test has changed substantially since I was in school.  You probably remember it (if you went to school in the US after Kennedy was President) as the time when you had to do as many push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and climb a pole, and run a mile in PE class.  Then you were given points for how many, how fast, or if you could do it at all.

I can understand the desire to show how "fit" you are, but I'm guessing only the really athletic would actually take the test (or at least they'd be the only ones to admit they took it, and tell you their score!)  Sadly, there's no patch or other award for those that take it, just a way to go on-line and see how you've done against the other people that have taken it and been happy enough to submit their scores.

Perhaps it will be an optional event at Lotusphere?  Or maybe we should have an alternative "fitness" test that involves skills we all know exist in the community - how many 12-ounce curls, sit and squat in session rooms, how fast you can run from Swan 5-6 to the Dolphin banquet hall at lunch, how much weight you can carry during the exhibit hall event while holding a beverage.  Any other events you'd like to offer up?

Posted by: Ted Hardenburgh at Read/Add Comments (1)