President Donald Trump has reinstated the Presidential Physical Fitness Award as part of an initiative to reintroduce annual fitness tests in schools. However, experts argue that these tests alone are unlikely to enhance youth health or physical activity. Avery Faigenbaum, a kinesiology professor, emphasizes the need for systems that encourage lifelong physical activity rather than just testing. The award, originally given to students excelling in the Presidential Fitness Test, was phased out in 2013 but has been revived by Trump in 2025. The test is now mandatory in 161 schools on U.S. military bases, though details on administration and scoring remain unclear. Russel Pate, a physical activity research director, notes that while the test protocols have been updated, the criteria for scoring and awarding remain ambiguous. Despite these efforts, only 20-25% of U.S. children meet the recommended daily physical activity levels.
QUESTION: How might the reintroduction of the Presidential Physical Fitness Award influence students’ attitudes towards physical activity in the long term?
The return of the Presidential Physical Fitness Award likely won’t improve children’s health, experts say
