Our Criteria

We use these criteria when we rate "Beyond the Basics" equipment that is aimed for physical education:

Four Diamonds

The following items have been given a rating of four diamonds. This rating indicates that these items are an excellent purchase for any physical education program and meet ALL of the above criteria.

Aerobic Bars - Foam-covered weight bars that can be added to fitness and exercise routines. The bar primarily develops upper body, shoulder, arm and hand strength, but using it in a stepping unit provides extra work for lower body muscles as well. $18-30.

Aerobic Steps – Can be raised to different heights depending on ability. These steps can be combined with weights or exercise bars for a full body workout. Music is encouraged to maintain a proper pace and make the lesson more enjoyable to students. $25-60.

Balance Discs – It looks like an exercise ball cut in half, but can be used for many different balance and core exercises. $17-30.

Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) – A hybrid of physical activity and video games. Helps teach rhythm and balance while also utilizing muscular and cardio respiratory endurance. Playstation2, game, and 1-2 dance pads needed. A projector or T.V. will be needed as well.
Entire system w/2 game pads & 6 practice pads- $1000
Game Pads - $50-300
Practice Pads - $20

Exercise Balls – Can be used for aerobic exercises, stretching, and strengthening. Good for balance and core training. $17-30.

Heart Rate Monitors – Lets students know when they are attaining moderate to vigorous activity by measuring their heart rates. An important tool in making students responsible for their own activity levels and it can be used with any sport/activity. $30-100.

Inline Skates – Inline skating can double as a mode of transportation and is a great example of an individual lifetime activity. Equipment can be leased to own, as well as bought. The NASPE skate in school program comes with a curriculum guide.
Skate sets - $100 per students (this includes the skates, helmet and protective gear).

Katami Bars – Much like an aerobic bar, but angled on the ends so that there is not as much strain on the shoulder blades and the neck.

Pedometers – Gages the amount of activity a student accumulates, in a class or outside of class if you have a "take home" program. A simple pedometer that tells step numbers and distance is all you need. Quality varies with price. $6-30. per unit. Class sets are often discounted.

Therabands – These elastic bands can be used to increase muscular strength and endurance for all areas of the body. They are very cost-efficient and are made in an array of different tensions. Handles and loops are available.
Therabands - $1/yd
Handles/Loops - $4-6

Ultimate Discs – Used in the game of Ultimate, which requires backhand and forehand throws, along with catching, leaping, jumping, defense, and lots of running. This sport is increasing in popularity and endorses “the spirit of the game” phiolosophy. Equipment needed: Disc and pinnies
Discs - $2-10
Pennies - $1-2

Weights – Can be used as an accessory to other activities (aerobics, steps, walking). Dumbells used for station work or group exercises are appropriate. Athletic departments should cover the expenses of large equipment used mostly for sports. The weights we recommend are 1-5 lb. hand or ankle weights. $8-20.

Yoga Mats & DVD's – This equipment can be used to promote yoga, a lifelong activity that is cost-efficient. Increases flexibility and muscular endurance while lowering stress levels. Mats - $10-30.

Three Diamonds

The following items have been given a rating of three diamonds, which indicates that they are a good investment for your physical education program. Each of these items promotes learning of skills that facilitate health enhancing activity for life, and meet most of the other criteria above.

Bicycles – With gas prices getting higher, what better way to promote an ecologically sound way of getting around? Used bikes may be available in your area through the local police department.
Cost: $50-$400

Golf Equipment –Golf is a game that you can participate in well into your 90s. Encourage students to walk and carry their own golf bags when course allows. This will add to their activity level. Used clubs and balls may be available through local golf courses.
Clubs –
Balls –

Scooter Boards - These can be used to modify a variety of activities and may help with the health related fitness domain.
Cost: $10-$20 each

Two Diamonds

The following items have been given a rating of two diamonds, which indicates that these items meet only some of the above criteria. This equipment provides few benefits to increasing the activity levels of your students. If this equipment is purchased because of abundant funds, it should be used sparingly.

Archery – The use of arrows and bows to strike a target.
Cost: $20-$70 (bows) Arrows $170 (set of 72)

Track and Field Equipment – This traditional field unit involves a variety of sport specific activities that would include the following equipment.
Discus $50-$70
Iron Shots: $7-$15
Batons: $5-$20
Starting Blocks: $80-$120
Hurdles: $40-$100

Treadmill – A treadmill may be beneficial during a fitness station lesson or for programs that are limited to indoor activities as a result of inclement weather.
Cost: $1,400 - $3,000

One Diamond

The following items have been given a rating of one diamond. This rating indicates that these items meet very few of the above criteria. We believe buying these types of equipment violates the arguments made for obtaining state and federal funds in the first place. Purchasing this equipment should be considered a waste of tax payer's money.

Air Hockey Table
Cost: $600-$1,400

Board Games - Traditional board games such as checkers, chess, Candy Land, Trouble, Clue, and bingo.
Cost: $10-$20

Crouquet - A traditional recreation activity.
Cost: $30-$50 (set)

Foosball -
Cost: $1,400

Horseshoe Set - A traditional recreation game.
Cost: $13-$40

Pogo stick -
Cost: $20-$70

Shuffleboard - A traditional recreational activity.
Cost: $62 (set)

Sport Stacking – Sport-stacking/cup-stacking equipment – Sport-stacking is, in our opinion, an oxymoron because is it as much a sport as playing certain card games (i.e. “Speed”). It involves stacking plastic cups in a certain pattern, and is often used with relays. The company that makes the equipment claims that stacking cups improves hand-eye coordination, coordination of body systems, ability to cross the midline, manipulation and tracking, however we believe that there are many health-enhancing activities that can do the same thing (should we list some????), while at the same time teaching children skills that are more likely to transfer to activities they can do for the rest of their lives. Sport/cup-stacking may be a fun recreational activity for children in day-care centers or after school programs, but in our opinion is should not be part of a physical education curriculum, and would be a waste of tax-payers' money.

Super Tumbling Timbers - These are basically large blocks of wood that are used in a larger scale game of Jenga.
Cost: $120

Tetherball - This is basically a poll with a ball suspended from the top of it by a rope. It is typically seen on elementary school playgrounds.
Cost: $11 (ball) $200 (complete set-up)

Various stuffed animals and rubber animals - These play things could be used for juggling or to assist children in becoming more engaged in activities.
Cost: $12-$40