24 Hour Fitness Puts Modern Twist on Presidential Physical Fitness Test

The reimagined challenge asks members: Are you fitter than a 5th grader?

Many people remember a rite of passage in grade school: the Presidential Physical Fitness Test. Initially introduced in the 1960s, the original test evaluated students’ strength, speed, and flexibility. Over time, it became a standard part of physical education in U.S. schools, before being phased out in 2012 by President Barack Obama.

24 Hour Fitness is reimagining the Presidential Physical Fitness Test with a version that seeks to update the test using modern fitness principles, providing 24 Hour Fitness members with an opportunity to assess their fitness levels as part of a new challenge beginning this month.

Challenge Details

The “Are You Fitter Than a 5th Grader” challenge, which starts on September 16, retains some of the familiar exercises from the original test, such as push-ups, pull-ups, and a one-mile run/walk. However, the new challenge also incorporates exercises more aligned with current fitness standards, including planks and lateral plyometric jumps. These adjustments reflect an emphasis on whole-body functional movements, which are increasingly recognized as key components of effective fitness training.

Debbie Fiorella, chief technology and digital officer at 24 Hour Fitness, said the challenge is designed to highlight the importance of physical activity for all age groups. “This challenge serves as a reminder of where participants are in their fitness journey, helping them identify areas for improvement in a straightforward way,” she said.

For personal trainers, the reintroduction of these types of assessments could provide an extra inroad for client engagement. By participating, clients learn about their physical capabilities, which can inform training plans aimed at improving specific areas of weakness.

Participation and Potential Benefits

Participants can sign up through the 24 Hour Fitness loyalty program, FitPerks™, and track their progress as they complete tasks such as gym check-ins and workouts on the 24GO® app. Additionally, the challenge includes a custom coaching session, designed to help members integrate the test results into their ongoing fitness plans.

To further encourage participation, members who complete the challenge will be eligible to win a $1,000 prize pack. The inclusion of a coaching session provides an opportunity to offer additional guidance, adapting these exercises to fit the needs and capabilities of individual clients. The fitness test challenge could also serve as a motivational tool, encouraging regular participation and creating measurable milestones for progress.