
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, October 10, 1994                   TAG: 9410150015
SECTION: NEWSFUN                    PAGE: NF-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

SO?!!

Forty sit-ups, 10 pull-ups, the mile in eight minutes flat: Sound familiar? If it does, you may be one of many kids who are participating (required is more like it) in fall physical fitness tests.

Schools require these tests to measure physical fitness. They usually are administered twice a year, once in the fall and again in the spring. Physical education teachers can measure the progress you've made during the year.

If you're determined to improve your fitness by playing sports, but are unsure which sport is right for you, the best way to find out is by experimenting. Variety is the key to getting good exposure to sports. You'll learn what your strengths are and build your confidence.

You can sample basketball, softball, track, tennis or even football, to name a few sports. Also, soccer has become a tremendously popular sport. But the only way to figure out which one you'd be best at is to give them a try.

The most important thing you should do is be physically prepared before whichever activity you choose. You must stretch and warm up your muscles before you play. You can start with a gentle jog in place, and then work on stretching specific muscles. If you are feeling pain when you stretch, or if a position feels awkward, you may not be doing it right. Ask a coach or athlete to show you the right way to stretch.

by CNB