Sit-ups, shuttle runs, and pull-ups? Trump revives the presidential fitness test

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Will the presidential fitness test stand the test of time?

a gym shoe, whistle and stopwatch
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Back-to-school season is nearing, and while your kids might be dreading homework and obeying their teachers' orders again, there's another surprise waiting in gym class. Trump is bringing back the presidential fitness test. The test, which measures endurance, strength, and flexibility, will return to U.S. public schools.

The presidential fitness test was originally administered from 1966 to 2013, when the Obama administration replaced it with the Presidential Youth Fitness Program. That shift aimed to move away from competition and toward a more 360 approach to student health.

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What does the test involve?

kids lines up on the start line of a running track

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

So what’s actually coming back? According to the executive order, kids will once again be timed on a one-mile run and tested on their ability to perform sit-ups, shuttle runs, push-ups or pull-ups, and basic flexibility drills like the sit and reach.

These old school gym class challenges are designed to measure cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and overall mobility. While full details on scoring and age brackets haven’t been released yet, the test’s return also brings back the Presidential Fitness Award, which in the past recognized the top 15% of students nationwide and is set to be reinstated under the new program.

Why was it scrapped?

The Obama administration ended the original presidential fitness test in 2013 and replaced it with the Presidential Youth Fitness Program. This new approach focused on personal health, education, and tracking individual progress instead of awarding certificates only to the top performers. It aimed to make fitness more inclusive and achievable for all students, not just those excelling in traditional gym challenges.

Now, the original test is being brought back with mile runs, sit-ups, and performance-based awards. This marks a return to more traditional fitness challenges.

While I didn’t go to school in the US and can’t speak to the presidential fitness test itself, I do have my own memories from school sports days and the bleep test. For those who don’t know, the bleep test is an endurance challenge where you run back and forth between two points, keeping pace with a series of beeps that get faster until you can’t keep up anymore.

To be honest, I spent more time worrying about not tripping over my own feet in front of my classmates than actually trying to pass the test. Whether this return will motivate U.S. students or add extra pressure remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: gym class is going to feel a bit more old school.

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Jessica Downey
Jessica Downey
Senior Fitness Writer

Jessica has been a fitness writer at Tom’s Guide since 2023, bringing three years of experience writing about health, fitness, and the great outdoors. Her passion for exercise began during her childhood, where she spent weekends hiking and competing in local athletics club events. After earning a master’s degree in journalism from Cardiff University, Jessica found the perfect way to combine her love of storytelling and fitness into a career.

Jessica is passionate about testing fitness gear and tech, using her reviews to help readers make informed buying decisions. She ran her first marathon in April 2024, finishing it in 3 hours and 48 minutes. Through her training, she’s developed a deep understanding of what it takes to grow as a runner, from effective workouts and recovery techniques to selecting the right gear for every challenge.

When she’s not at her desk, Jessica enjoys spending time in the kitchen crafting new recipes, braving cold water swims and hiking.

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