Did you ever earn a Presidential Physical Fitness Award?
You understand-- that shiny blue badge that you got for hitting the 85th percentile in the President's Challenge Physical Fitness Test.
Each year, trainees across the country are checked for their level of physical conditioning in 5 activities: snuggle, shuttle run, endurance run/walk (typically a timed mile), pull ups, and the sit and reach. Together, these occasions make up the President's Challenge Physical Fitness Test, a program of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition.
Kids and Fitness in America
The President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition works to empower all Americans to embrace a healthy way of life through regular exercise, participation in sports and healthy consuming. Shellie Pfohl, the executive director of PCFSN, spoke at the current 2012 Running USA Conference about the value of getting and keeping America's youth active.
Growing up in Iowa, Pfohl said she established a love of motion at an early age.
" Kids today are missing that in some way," Pfohl stated. "There's a nature deficit condition. Kids are not getting outdoors enough. They aren't appreciating the environment. How will they be able to be impactful?"
By being outdoors and taking part in sports, kids are able to develop a sense of group and a strong work ethic, Pfohl stated.
" They get to hang out with coaches, teachers and community organizers who care," Pfohl said. "They care if I appear. They care about my future. We need each of you to be ambassadors and teachers for our young."
Pfohl stressed an "Each one, teach one" viewpoint, where individuals take the initiative and responsibility to lift up those around them.
" It may not be a young adult," Pfohl said. "It may be an adult who requires that support so they can continue to move and be live and mobile active lives."
The Impact
The health general health and fitness of the nation impacts our capability to complete in a worldwide economy, Pfohl stated.