GALVESTON—Fitness experts say they are not surprised by the results of a statewide fitness test showing that public school students are overwhelmingly unhealthy.

Results of the Fitnessgram test, which was administered to 2.6 million students in 8,000 public schools, showed that students tend to be more out-of-shape as they get older. Only 7.8 percent of Texas girls and 8.5 percent of boys in 12th grade were fit enough to meet the “Healthy Fitness Zone” standards of the test.

The most physically healthy class was third grade girls; 32 percent passed the six-part state fitness test.

The results are in line with the spiking rate of diabetes and obesity in children, said Bryce Oliveira, assistant manger Galveston Health and Racquet Club.

A 2007 report from Trust for America’s Health found that Texas ranked sixth among states with the highest obesity rate for children ages 10-17.

Children are sedentary, and parents don’t do enough to encourage exercise, Oliveira said.

Parents let their children eat too much junk food and watch too much television and rarely encourage them to play outside, he said.

“When I was growing up, there was nothing to do but go outside and play,” said Oliveira, 27. “Now, there are so many different things kids can do inside — video games and Internet and those hand-held games you see kids walking around with ... It’s not cool for kids to go play outside anymore.”

Dr. Russell LaForte, an internist at The University of Texas Medical Branch and father of three, said he doesn’t think the public school district does enough to provide opportunities for physical activity in school.

While elementary students are required to have physical education every day, high school students need only have a year and a half of physical education.

The poor results seem to reflect decreased physical fitness requirements in high school, said Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott.

Results of the Fitnessgram test, developed by aerobics pioneer Dr. Kenneth Cooper, show that fitness levels sharply decline through 12th grade. The fitness test was required by law this year for all public school district students in grades three through 12.

Another part of the law requires students up to fifth grade to exercise in school 30 minutes a day or 135 minutes a week. It also requires middle school students to get exercise 30 minutes a day, or 125 minutes a week if the school has block scheduling.

Debbie Fuchs, a physical education coordinator for Clear Creek public schools, called the fitness test a success, and said she hopes the test results will motivate students to have a healthy lifestyle.

But some parents are looking outside the public school district to find exercise regimens for their children.

Fitness gyms, in an effort to battle childhood obesity, are starting to tailor programs to children. The YMCA in Galveston has a children’s fitness room with child-sized workout machines, said Dr. David McCormick, a pediatrics professor at the medical branch. Galveston Health and Racquet Club offers an after-school fitness program for children 3 to 12 years old where they take kickboxing classes, do calisthenics, play tennis and swim. Eventually, the club plans to offer personal training classes targeted toward children.

“We offer a lot of activities to keep them active and keep them moving,” Oliviera said.

Even when parents can’t afford a personal trainer for their child, they can still encourage them to get out and get moving, Oliveira said.

“Take them to the nearest park to play basketball,” he said. “Take a walk on the beach. Go play catch.”

Students who were tested were considered to be in the “Healthy Fitness Zone” if they achieved certain levels based on that student’s age and gender. The tests include activities such as a one-mile run, curl ups, push-ups, trunk lift, shoulder stretches and a skin fold test.

The results are recorded on a report card available to parents so they can identify the physical strengths and weaknesses of each student.

The Texas Education Agency will analyze the results by school district annually, comparing results to students’ grades, attendance, obesity, disciplinary problems and school meal programs. That data are expected later this year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.