Des Moines Sun

The Presidential Physical Fitness Award, first established nearly 70 years ago during the Eisenhower administration, was created to promote physical fitness and healthy habits among American youth. The President’s Council on Youth Fitness recommended the creation of a presidential award to recognize students’ achievements in physical education through a series of exercises integrated into school curricula. This initiative gained support from subsequent presidents, including John F. Kennedy, who warned about “growing softness” and lack of fitness among Americans, calling it a threat to national security.

In 1966, during Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration, the program was formalized as the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. For decades, it became a common experience for schoolchildren across the country, with benchmark tests such as the one-mile run, sit-ups, pull-ups or push-ups, shuttle run, and sit-and-reach test used to measure flexibility and overall fitness. Students aged 10-17 who met or exceeded national standards received a presidential patch recognizing their accomplishments. The tradition ended during the Obama administration.

Recently, President Trump signed an executive order at a White House ceremony in July to reinstate the Presidential Fitness Test and revive the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition. The renewed effort aims to involve parents, educators, coaches and mentors nationwide in promoting healthy lifestyles among children and addressing chronic diseases related to inactivity. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will oversee implementation of the program under the Make America Healthy Again campaign.

At the signing event with prominent athletes present, President Trump stated that it is time to make “fitness fun, competitive and cool again.”

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) expressed his support for these efforts by highlighting his personal experiences with physical activity: “As a lifelong family farmer, I’ve long appreciated the physical and mental grind that comes with daily chores and the busy planting and harvest seasons.” He added: “As someone who started jogging for the first time at age 65, I’ve also learned the tremendous benefits of a regular exercise regimen for cardiovascular and mental fitness. It cultivates discipline, commitment and resilience.”

Grassley pointed out ongoing concerns about childhood obesity rates in America—a problem that affects approximately one in five children according to data from federal health agencies—and noted that annual medical costs associated with childhood obesity are estimated at $1.3 billion by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He also referenced findings from the CDC’s annual Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which show that students who engage in daily physical activity are more likely to achieve higher academic performance.

“I commend President Trump for shining a spotlight on physical fitness among the next generation,” Grassley said. “I hope the relaunched Presidential Fitness Test will inspire young people to strive and achieve their personal best and pursue active lifestyles throughout their lifetimes.”