U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. officially launched the return of the Presidential Fitness Test this week, joining dozens of children at a New Jersey Boys & Girls Club to kick off a nationwide campaign to increase youth physical activity.

Kennedy participated in fitness activities alongside more than 75 children at the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City as the Department of Health and Human Services also unveiled GetActive.gov/kids, a new online resource designed to help families, schools, and communities encourage healthy habits.

The initiative is part of President Donald Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.

Presidential Fitness Test Returning This Fall

According to HHS, schools across the country will begin administering the Presidential Fitness Test this fall using updated, age-appropriate standards.

The revised assessment will measure strength, endurance, speed, and agility while emphasizing individual improvement and encouraging schools to prioritize physical education.

The Presidential Fitness Test was a staple in many American schools for decades before being replaced in 2013 by the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, which shifted its focus toward long-term health and personal fitness goals.

Kennedy said restoring the test revives a vision first championed by his uncle, President John F. Kennedy.

“More than 60 years ago, my uncle, President John F. Kennedy, challenged America to make physical fitness a national priority because he understood that the strength of our nation begins with the health of our people,” Kennedy said in a statement.

“Today, President Trump is restoring that vision. By bringing back the Presidential Fitness Test and launching GetActive.gov/kids, we are giving parents, schools and communities the tools to help children build healthy habits, strengthen their bodies and discover what they’re capable of achieving.”

Addressing Youth Health Concerns

HHS cited rising childhood obesity and declining physical fitness as key reasons for reviving the program.

According to the department, nearly one in five American children is overweight or obese. Officials also noted that 77% of young Americans are ineligible for military service, with poor health and physical fitness among the leading factors.

The department said its summer initiative will partner with the Boys & Girls Club of America, WWE, and community organizations nationwide to encourage children to become more physically active and prepare for the fitness test.

WWE Stars Join the Event

Monday’s kickoff featured several WWE personalities, including Paul Levesque, better known as Triple H, who was recently appointed vice chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition.

WWE broadcaster Byron Saxton served as emcee, while Cody Rhodes and Charlotte Flair joined children in fitness demonstrations throughout the event.

Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) also participated in the kickoff.

“Too many young people are spending less time moving and building healthy habits,” Van Drew said. “A strong America depends on raising a healthy next generation. Bringing back the Presidential Fitness Test will give students a positive goal to work toward and make physical activity a bigger part of their everyday lives.”

National Rollout Planned

HHS said states led by both Republican and Democratic officials have committed to bringing the Presidential Fitness Test back to schools, signaling bipartisan support for expanding youth fitness initiatives.

Officials said the new GetActive.gov/kids website will provide resources for parents, educators, and community organizations to help children stay active year-round as the program expands nationwide.