It was once a rite of passage for millions of American schoolchildren before being phased out under the Obama administration.
But now public school students across the U.S. once again face being rated on their strength, endurance and flexibility under an executive order reinstating the Presidential Fitness Test signed by Donald Trump on Thursday.
What is the Presidential Fitness Test?
The original program, which was replaced in 2012, was formalized in 1966 under President Lyndon B. Johnson to “promote good health” and provide “sturdy young citizens equal to the challenges of the future.”
It typically assessed students aged 6 to 17 in public schools at least twice yearly. Top-performing students could receive the Presidential Physical Fitness Award.
While President Trump’s executive order did not detail the exact structure of the revived test, core elements of the assessment remained consistent over the decades.
These were:
- One-Mile Run: Students had to run one mile as quickly as possible.
- Sit-Ups: Participants performed as many sit-ups as possible within one minute.
- Pull-Ups or Push-Ups: Attempted maximum amount
- Sit-and-Reach: Students reached forward from a seated position to test flexibility.
- Shuttle Run: Participants ran back and forth between lines 30 feet apart, testing agility and speed.
Students’ performances were measured against national standards and qualifying percentiles for recognition.
Those who scored at or above the 85th percentile typically received the Presidential Physical Fitness Award, while others may have received a certificate for participation.
The test was overhauled in 2012 by the Obama administration, which sought to emphasize personal health goals rather than athletic performance.
But in a White House ceremony Thursday afternoon, Trump signed the order reestablishing the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition and the fitness test.
In announcing its return, the President said it was a “wonderful tradition”, white House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the President wants “every young American to have the opportunity to emphasize healthy, active lifestyles — creating a culture of strength and excellence for years to come”
Vice President J.D. Vance said the effort was a response to concerns about excessive screen time.
Kennedy Jr., who will oversee the rollout of the program, said at the order’s signing: “We need to re-instill that spirit of competition and that commitment to nutrition and physical fitness.”
What Happens Next
It is not clear when the new test will launch. The Trump administration has directed the newly formed President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition to design updated criteria under chairman and professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau.
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