If you ask a grown-up of a certain age about the Presidential Youth Fitness Test, you are likely to get one of two responses. Half of the people (and I admit to being one of these), absolutely loved the timed challenge around the shuttle run, sit and reach, and pull-ups, and may be able to still produce one of the coveted patches that was awarded for successful completion. The other half totally hated the test and dedicated considerable energy toward trying to get out of it.
The good news is the Presidential Youth Fitness Program (PYFP) has changed with the times. The traditional youth physical fitness test is now a challenge designed to be a positive experience for everyone participating.
The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, which runs the program, has changed as well. The Council celebrated its 60th anniversary last month. President Eisenhower established the President’s Council to ensure kids were fit to fight for our military; now, their aspiration is for a healthier America overall. The Council has been influenced by every administration along the way, with President Kennedy significantly expanding the reach and President Obama adding an emphasis on nutrition.
Most importantly, the Council has come to recognize that offering an assessment is not necessarily the only way to inspire change. Today, the Council offers an expanded portfolio of programs and initiatives to help all Americans lead healthy, active lifestyles. Offerings include professional development for teachers through Let’s Move! Active Schools and PYFP, resources to help schools and communities be inclusive of people with disabilities through I Can Do It, You Can Do It!, and soon will launch #0to60, a national campaign to help individuals and families accelerate their journey to leading an active and healthy life.
In conjunction with the Council’s 60th anniversary, the leadership is charting a vision to promote physical activity that is both fun and accessible for the next 60 years. The Council has made a huge contribution to building a healthier America, and recognizes that their greatest opportunity for bringing out the best is to encourage Americans, particularly kids and families, to integrate regular physical activity and good nutrition into their lives by going from zero to sixty—every day!
