At 14, I was a lanky kid, about 6 feet tall, with a pimple or two and weighing maybe 130 pounds if I was dripping wet. It was the year I decided to join a gym—right there on the Daniel Webster Highway, not too far from my home in Nashua, New Hampshire. My mom offered to take me, asking only that I keep up with my grades in return.
The moment I stepped into the gym, I’ll never forget the sounds. The clank of weights, the loading of plates, and the rhythmic hum of every lift around me—it was electrifying. I thought to myself, “Wow, there’s something really important happening here.” It was genuinely transformative. When I first started, I couldn’t even manage a single pull-up. Thankfully, some older kids took me under their wing, offering tips on everything from technique to nutrition. That experience hooked me. The gym radically changed how I viewed myself and what I could achieve. It illuminated my path forward.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m not suggesting everyone needs to become a WWE Superstar or even an athlete. You don’t need to be hoisting heavy weights to see the benefits. Just know that being active, in whatever form that takes, can help you reach your personal goals. I encourage you, and your kids, to start now. It’ll make you all healthier and sharper.
This year marks a milestone—the 70th anniversary of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, originally established by Dwight D. Eisenhower. President Trump is rejuvenating this initiative by bringing back the Presidential Fitness Test. The goal is to partner with schools and communities nationwide to promote healthier, more active lifestyles for everyone.
The reality is, our health as a nation has taken a hit in recent years. Americans are more sedentary, and nutrition is often lacking. This trend is particularly concerning for children. Rates of chronic diseases are alarming, and malnutrition is prevalent. Childhood diabetes, for instance, is on the rise. Today, one in five American children is considered obese, marking a staggering 270% increase compared to fifty years ago. Obese children are significantly more likely to struggle with weight issues in adulthood.
We really have to rethink our habits. Many kids are eating processed foods and spending far too much time glued to screens instead of playing outside. Schools often fail to instill healthy lifestyle choices, like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and a mindset of challenge and growth.
This cycle needs to change. The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition aims to tackle this issue head-on, focusing on transforming the health landscape for our next generation.
Taking care of your physical health is essential, but what’s perhaps even more crucial is setting a good example for kids. They don’t just listen; they watch closely, too. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to dedicate hours to fitness routines or start training for marathons.
Even a simple 15-minute walk each day can cut your risk of early death. So, get out there, move, and gradually challenge yourself. Remember, it’s not just about you—it’s about your children as well.
Physical fitness encompasses so much more than just strength or speed. I’m not just addressing those already in shape, nor those who don’t see themselves as athletes. I share the same message with my daughters whenever they find something difficult. The reward comes after the struggle.
It doesn’t matter if you can’t manage a single pull-up, push-up, or sit-up. What’s important is that you give it a go. If you persist, changes will begin to happen. Working out instills discipline, and with discipline comes confidence—keys to unlocking new possibilities.
Physical fitness can transform who you are, altering the course of your life. So let me ask you, on behalf of the President: Are you ready?
