The Presidential Fitness Test is a national physical fitness testing program that was first formally introduced in public schools in 1966 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. It was created as a response to studies showing that American youth were falling behind international peers in physical fitness. The test was overseen historically by the President's Council on Youth Fitness and later the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition. The test consists of a series of physical exercises designed to measure various aspects of fitness such as cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, flexibility, and agility. The traditional test commonly included these exercises:
- A one-mile run
- One minute of sit-ups
- Pull-ups or push-ups
- Shuttle run
- Sit-and-reach test for flexibility
Students who scored in the top 15 percent nationwide could earn the Presidential Physical Fitness Award, a prestigious recognition of excellence in physical education. The program was phased out in 2012 during the Obama administration due to criticism that it overly emphasized performance and competition, which could discourage less athletic students. It was replaced by the Presidential Youth Fitness Program that focuses more on personal progress and lifelong health rather than competition. In 2025, under President Donald Trump, an executive order was signed to revive the Presidential Fitness Test in public schools. The revival aims to reestablish a culture of strength and excellence and reward outstanding physical education performance once more. The President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition is charged with determining the criteria for the updated version of the test. The test continues to serve as a symbolic and practical assessment tool to promote youth fitness, health awareness, and physical education excellence in schools. In summary, the Presidential Fitness Test is a series of exercises assessing students' physical fitness, originally established in the mid-20th century, discontinued in 2012, and brought back in 2025 with a somewhat updated approach focused on competition and excellence in fitness.
