State Deems Most Millbrae Children Fit

About 75 percent of children in Millbrae are physically fit, according to a report released by the California Department of Education on March 24.

In the 2009-2010 academic year, Millbrae students scored higher than the state average on the "healthy fitness zone" scale, a state program to evaluate fitness performance, such as aerobic capacity, flexibility and strength. 

Out of the 220 5th grade students tested in the Millbrae School District, children scored particularly well on abdominal strength, 92 percent were deemed within the "healthy fitness zone".

The fitness segments that need improvement among 5th graders are upper body strength and flexibility, only 55 percent received adequate scores.

However, when 7th graders were tested in those same categories, 95 percent of them were in the "healthy fitness zone".

Statewide, 65 percent of 5th graders met the "healthy fitness zone" requirements for aerobic capacity.

In abdominal strength, 80 percent of 5th graders were in the zone while 88 percent met the goals in trunk extensor strength.

In upper body strength, 69 percent of 5th graders met the standards while 70 percent hit the target in flexibility.

Statewide, 67 percent of 7th graders met the "healthy fitness zone" requirements for aerobic capacity.