Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to bring back the presidential fitness test, a series of physical tests for schoolchildren in the US that was in place for decades but suspended 12 years ago to focus less on competition and more on healthy lifestyles.<\/p>\n
Trump announced the test\u2019s revival in a press event with famous athletes, praising the golfers, football players and a pro-wrestler for their achievements and physiques. The executive order will also re-establish the president\u2019s council on sports, fitness, and nutrition.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an important step in our mission to make America healthy again,\u201d Trump said in a press conference on Thursday. \u201cIt\u2019s something that\u2019s very important, what we\u2019re doing, very important. Dating back to the administration of President Dwight D Eisenhower, this council has championed the vigor and strength and vitality of the American people today. We continue that very proud tradition.\u201d<\/p>\n
The presidential fitness test was required in public schools in some form from the late 1950s until 2013, when it was changed into a program less focused on specific feats of strength.<\/p>\n
The test involves activities like a one-mile run, sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups and a sit-and-reach. People who participated in the program as children often have memories , both fond and not, of their experiences attempting these challenges in their gym classes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a big deal. This was a wonderful tradition, and we\u2019re bringing it back,\u201d Trump said. \u201cIt\u2019s turned out to be very, very popular to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Robert F Kennedy Jr, the health secretary, will administer the fitness program. There will also be criteria for a \u201cpresidential fitness award\u201d. In past iterations of the program, the top 15% of performers would receive the award.<\/p>\n
\u201cMAKE AMERICA FIT AGAIN!\u201d Karoline Leavitt , the White House press secretary, wrote in a post on X about reintroducing the test. The fitness test aligns with the make America healthy again movement\u2019s focus on physical wellness and exercise.<\/p>\n