Is Doing the PACER Every Gym Class Normal?
If you’ve ever set foot in a middle school or high school gym class, you’ve probably heard the groans: “Ugh, not the PACER again!” The Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run—better known as the PACER test—has been a staple of physical education programs for decades. But when students find themselves lining up for this timed running drill week after week, it’s natural to wonder: Is this normal? Let’s unpack why the PACER is so common, whether daily use makes sense, and what it means for students’ fitness journeys.
What Exactly Is the PACER Test?
For the uninitiated, the PACER test involves running back and forth across a 20-meter (65.6-foot) space, keeping pace with timed beeps that gradually speed up. The goal is to complete as many laps as possible before missing two consecutive beeps. Originally designed as a standardized way to measure aerobic capacity, it’s often used to assess students’ fitness levels and track progress over time.
While the test itself isn’t inherently “bad,” its repetitive use in gym classes has sparked debates. Many students dread it, and even teachers admit it can feel monotonous. So why do schools keep relying on it?
Why the PACER Is So Common
There are a few reasons the PACER remains a go-to activity in PE programs:
1. Simplicity: No fancy equipment or setup is needed—just cones, a speaker, and a open space.
2. Standardization: It provides a measurable way to compare fitness levels across schools or districts.
3. Curriculum Requirements: Many schools follow state or national guidelines that prioritize cardiovascular endurance testing.
4. Time Efficiency: Teachers can assess an entire class in 15–20 minutes, leaving time for other activities.
But convenience doesn’t always equal effectiveness. Doing the PACER every single gym class raises questions about whether it’s actually helping students build skills or stay motivated.
The Case for (and Against) Frequent PACER Testing
Supporters argue that regular PACER drills:
– Improve endurance over time.
– Teach goal-setting (e.g., beating a personal score).
– Prepare students for fitness assessments required for sports teams or academic benchmarks.
Critics, however, highlight downsides:
– Repetition Burnout: Students who dislike running may grow to resent gym class altogether.
– Limited Skill Development: The PACER focuses narrowly on running stamina, neglecting agility, strength, or teamwork.
– Stress and Anxiety: For some kids, timed tests trigger performance anxiety, especially if scores are publicly shared.
A 2020 study in the Journal of Physical Education and Health found that students exposed to varied workouts (e.g., dance, yoga, or team sports) showed higher long-term engagement in physical activity than those drilled solely on standardized tests like the PACER. This suggests that while the PACER has its place, relying on it too heavily might backfire.
What Do Students Think?
When asked, many students describe the PACER as “boring but tolerable” if used sparingly. However, doing it weekly often leads to frustration. One high school sophomore shared: “It feels like we’re just practicing for a test instead of actually learning how to stay fit. I’d rather play basketball or try something new.”
Teachers, too, acknowledge the limitations. Ms. Ramirez, a middle school PE instructor, explains: “I use the PACER once a month to check progress, but our focus is on building lifelong habits. We do hiking, cycling, and even mindfulness exercises. Kids need variety to discover what they enjoy.”
Alternatives to the Weekly PACER Grind
If your gym class uses the PACER relentlessly, know that there are other ways to build fitness—and it’s okay to ask for change. Here are some ideas teachers and students have embraced:
– Fitness Circuits: Rotating stations with jumping rope, bodyweight exercises, or agility ladders.
– Team Challenges: Relay races, capture the flag, or obstacle courses.
– Student Choice Days: Letting kids pick activities like dance, martial arts, or frisbee.
– Heart Rate Monitors: Tracking effort through wearable tech instead of timed runs.
These approaches still meet curriculum goals but prioritize enjoyment and holistic health. After all, the ultimate aim of PE should be to inspire a love for movement, not just to ace a test.
So, Is It “Normal” to Do the PACER Every Class?
In many schools, yes—it’s common. But “normal” doesn’t always mean “ideal.” While the PACER is a practical tool for occasional assessments, using it weekly risks turning gym class into a repetitive chore rather than an opportunity for growth.
If you’re a student feeling stuck in a PACER rut, consider talking to your teacher respectfully. Ask whether alternative activities could be incorporated. If you’re an educator, reflect on whether your program balances assessment with engagement.
Physical education should empower students to explore their strengths, work with others, and develop confidence—not just survive another round of beeps. By mixing the PACER with creative, inclusive activities, schools can foster healthier attitudes toward fitness that last long after the final gym class bell rings.
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