Trump’s Consideration for Reviving Presidential Fitness Test

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Past Memories of the Presidential Fitness Test

For many Americans over 30, the Presidential Fitness Test brings back a wave of mixed emotions. Top performers take pride in their agility to make pull-ups look effortless, while others recall their determined effort to complete a 10-minute mile. Unfortunately, for some, the test memories are laden with embarrassment or worse, feeling left out, especially for students with disabilities.

Trump’s Plan to Revive the Presidential Fitness Test

Those who remember the Presidential Fitness Test will find it interesting that President Donald Trump plans on bringing back the test. This revival comes through a July 31 executive order, where Trump noted the upcoming 250th anniversary of America and the Make America Healthy Again Commission. The executive order highlighted the negative impacts of declining health on national morale and military readiness. As a solution, the order established a council to develop new versions of the Presidential Fitness Test and the Presidential Fitness Award for exceptional achievement.

Historical Context of the Presidential Fitness Test

The Presidential Fitness Test was designed during the Eisenhower administration to ensure the youth were fit for service during the Cold War. The early version of the test included a softball throw that mimicked the motion of throwing a grenade. Today, the Presidential Fitness Test and award have transformed into a more inclusive, holistic program that promotes healthy fitness zones and personal goal-setting.

The Possible Return of The Presidential Fitness Test

Chalkbeat interviewed three public school P.E. teachers to share their thoughts on the likely return of the Presidential Fitness Test, what should be included, and the advantages and disadvantages of transforming fitness testing into a national competition.

Voices of PE teachers

Tom Filline, an elementary school P.E. teacher in Melrose Park, Illinois, believes that returning to the Presidential Fitness Test is a step backwards. Filline, also known as The Angry Gym Teacher on TikTok, prefers the PACER test to the timed mile.

On the other hand, Gilbert Schuerch, a high school P.E. teacher in Harlem, isn’t convinced that reinstating the Presidential Fitness Test will curb America’s obesity epidemic, but thinks it could shed light on fitness among kids.

Alicia Mannino, a P.E. instructor with 16 years of experience, is skeptical about reinstating the Presidential Fitness Test. She fears it will reintroduce a “one size fits all approach” to fitness that could discourage many students.

The varying perspectives of these teachers underline the complexity and sensitivities around standardized fitness testing in schools. As we await the outcome of the executive order, the debate continues.