by You may have heard the agonized cries of folks remembering their childhood horrors when President Donald Trump declared he was bringing back the Presidential Fitness Test.
In answer to our poll question regarding the move, Mike from Salem, New Hampshire, commented, “Oh, hell no.” Back in school, I recall how cruel this program was. bullying and trauma. bleak.
In fact, the majority of readers who cast their votes supported the test’s return, but those who took the time to comment were vehemently opposed. (In particular, on Facebook.)
For those of us who were active but not necessarily athletic or competitive kids, the Presidential Fitness Test was a dreaded occasion. According to Michele F. from Framingham, it was all about being the best or the quickest and praised pupils for their proficiency in a very limited range of potentially pointless athletic skills.
In favor of the Youth Fitness Program, which the government claimed shifted from rewarding athletic achievement to serving as a gauge of students’ health, the Obama administration likely did away with the test that required kids to run and perform situps, pullups, or pushups as well as a sit-and-reach test.
Although it’s unclear yet, some readers were skeptical that the resurrected test would still include those general health markers. Will there be a strategy to improve students’ health, or is this just a scheme to gather data on students and schools at random? Facebook was used by Bethany W. to ask. What happens to educational institutions where a significant portion of pupils are unable to pass the test at first attempt? Do they receive more resources, better lunches and meals, new teachers, and equipment for physical education?
-
Trump revives the Presidential Fitness Test, a rite of passage for schoolchildren for decades
-
Noah Kahan partners with The Handle Bar to offer a Fenway Park fitness class
-
The most unconventional fitness classes to take in Boston right now
Some readers doubted that would occur. One respondent stated that the test is not a good indicator of someone’s true level of fitness because they work in the medical field. Better indicators of health and fitness exist. They would be advocating for free school lunches and gun safety if they truly cared about the health of children.
The president himself, however, would struggle to pass the Presidental Fitness Test, according to dozens of replies. Watch Trump perform a sit-up. “One sit-up!” Michael R. posted on Facebook. Marblehead resident Jacob J. asserted that if he were to be given half the answers, he would not be able to pass the test. Additionally, William C. noted that the new test might incorporate a question on how quickly you can cut the head off a dead bear cub, considering that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was involved in its administration.
Nevertheless, several reviewers thought the action was a positive start. Who would have guessed that encouraging physical activity and fitness would be detrimental? Mike from the North End inquired. We did this in elementary school and junior high, as Dan N. said on Facebook. Making fun of the children who were unable to finish it was enjoyable. They were motivated to get in shape as a result.
Alternatively, years of therapy, Steve M. said.
Below are a few of the reader comments.
The length and clarity of the responses have been adjusted.
Yes, good to bring it back
At any age, physical fitness is crucial and should be prioritized, particularly in the age of smartphones. Children will benefit for the rest of their life if they are given a solid foundation and understanding of fitness early on. I hope that emphasis is also placed on the value of a healthy diet and how it enhances exercise.Brighton, Mike
Taking an exam is not a punishment; rather, it should inspire you to desire to succeed alongside your peers and pass the fitness test. Unless Trump renames it the Trump Presidential Fitness Test and issues a certificate with gaudy gold lettering, I’m fine for it. Why shouldn’t we give our kids direction from a young age? People will become a burden on society if they don’t look for themselves.Mike from Seacoast, New Hampshire
Kids spend too much time on computers and eating bad food. We must resurrect this.Unidentified
I don’t like Trump, but given that our children are the first generation in a long time to have a lower life expectancy despite having the technology for many significant medical advancements in the next decades, it is crucial that we encourage their physical well-being in this day and age. They need to move more, and mental health can be impacted by physical health issues.Wilbraham, John
America has a high obesity rate. We should welcome any assistance that may be able to address this problem.Boston, Bob S.
I’m a former physical education teacher, and the test provides a wealth of useful information. Children today do not engage in as much physical activity as those of past generations, let’s face it.Through Facebook, Russ H.
In all honesty, I think it’s fantastic that he’s working to encourage young people to exercise and be physically active. That being said, he will never make nearly as much effort to promote the performing and fine arts, which are as vital.Alex J. through Facebook
No, it s a bad idea
It can lower late bloomers’ self-esteem.The Mattapoisett, Peter B.
This administration’s joyful elimination of school lunch programs and child nutrition programs while promoting an antiquated fitness test makes me giggle. To believe that the current administration is dedicated to the health and fitness of children is ignorant and dishonest.F. Michele, Framingham
First, our White House’s golden ballroom; second, the presidential fitness exam; and third, the Epstein files. No. 3 is what we desire.Mary M. through Facebook
I don’t really care about the test portion, but I do believe that every child in grades K–12 should engage in physical activity daily, setting goals they may work toward at their own speed. Not everyone can work out at the same pace or in the same manner. It is a learning experience for the body, not a test.Connie M. through Facebook
In all seriousness, it wouldn t be bad but for the fact that this is likely just another grand pronouncement with no implementation plan to back it up. Kids are not just instantly fit; the schools have to have the resources to add it to the overall curriculum. I seriously doubt there is any federal plan to back it up.Mich S. through Facebook
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers opinion.
Peter Chianca, Boston.com s general assignment editor since 2019, is a longtime news editor, columnist, and music writer in the Greater Boston area.
Sign up for the Today newsletter
Receive all the information you require to begin your day, given directly to your inbox each morning.
