(Nexstar) – It’s time to get in shape, kids! The President’s fitness test is making a comeback.
On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to revive the testing initiative that originally began back in 1966. The Presidential Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, which is chaired by golfer Bryson DeChambeau, will create a new school-based program aimed at recognizing and rewarding children’s achievements in physical education. Yes, that means the fitness test is back—maybe a little intimidating, perhaps?
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, “The President wants to ensure that future generations of America are strong, healthy and successful.” She emphasized the importance of all young Americans having the chance to lead healthy and active lives, which could foster a culture of strength for years to come.
The fitness tests, last conducted in public schools back in 2013, were replaced by the President’s Youth Fitness Program, which focused on encouraging healthier lifestyles among children.
Originally, the fitness tests included five components designed to assess various fitness aspects. This initiative was set in motion by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 after studies showed that American youth were falling behind their European peers in fitness metrics, like abdominal strength. Eisenhower issued the executive order in response to these findings.
Later, President John F. Kennedy took the helm of the council, and under President Lyndon B. Johnson, the format was refined to include the President’s Physical Fitness Award—a sort of recognition for kids performing in the top percentile across several physical activities, such as softball throws and dash runs.
While the fitness tests have seen changes over the years, they have retained various elements introduced during Ronald Reagan’s administration, which are still used by organizations like the US Marshals and Secret Service for their candidates.
Notably, figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger have actively promoted the importance of physical education in schools, touring numerous states to advocate for improved fitness standards.
During President Obama’s tenure, the Fitnessgram was also introduced. It evaluated aerobic capacity through one-mile runs, muscular strength with push-ups and curl-ups, flexibility through sit-and-reach tests, body composition using BMI, and power via vertical jumps.
However, the details about the updated version of the fitness test under Trump—the aspects to be included or how they’ll be administered—remain unspecified as of now.
Current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that kids aged 6 to 17 should engage in at least an hour of moderate physical activity each day.
