WASHINGTON (Aug. 6, 2025)--From the late 1950s until 2013, schoolchildren have had to take the Presidential Fitness Test, a challenge that puts kids through a series of fitness drills to see how well they performed. But the test was taken out of service in 2013 in favor of a voluntary program for schools emphasizing good health rather than athletic prowess.
Now the Presidential Fitness Test is slated to come back to school gymnasiums around the country, according to NPR and other media. According to those reports, the specific details of the test have yet to be determined.
Critics have noted that in the past, the Presidential Fitness Test was a one size fits all approach and might have fueled body image problems for children who were overweight.
At the same time, experts say that a significant number of American children do not meet the current recommended physical activity guidelines.
The George Washington University has experts that can discuss all aspects of fitness and physical activity for kids. To schedule an interview with an expert, reach out to GW Media Relations at gwmedia
gwu [dot] edu (gwmedia[at]gwu[dot]edu).
Mary Barron is an associate professor of exercise and nutrition sciences at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health and a certified athletic trainer. She can discuss participation in sports and the health benefits of an active lifestyle.
Todd Miller, is an associate professor of exercise and nutrition sciences and the former director of the GW Weight Management and Human Performance Lab. He can comment on what kids or adults can do to improve fitness and athletic performance.
-GW-