Yahoo News producer Meg Ludeman puts the Presidential Fitness Test to the test and suggests modern alternatives to once-mandatory exercise. Read more on Yahoo News
video transcript
Meg Ludeman: Can you pass the Presidential Physical Fitness Test today? No, I don’t mean use these. Supposedly, he took this test during physical education class from 1966 to 2012. But here’s how this test ranks for today’s experts. First, run one mile as fast as you can. While it’s a good indicator of cardiovascular health and endurance, pain and fatigue can also discourage you from running. Therefore, start walking and gradually increase your pace.
Pull-up or push-up test. Experts agree that this is a good measure of upper body and overall strength, but if done incorrectly it won’t help anyone. Therefore, correct it on your lap if necessary. Do as many sit-ups as possible in 60 seconds. Exercise scientists agree that holding a plank has far more benefits, whereas the exercise can cause lower back pain and only works the muscles in the front of your core. .
The shuttle runs. Bending over or making quick turns can definitely lead to injury. Not everyone’s knees or forearms can keep up with it. So doctors suggest testing your agility with a lateral jump. A frightened person sits and stretches his hands. It’s a good way to measure flexibility, but some people have an advantage with longer arms and legs, so toe-touching stretches are more realistic. In 2012, former President Obama replaced the test with his FitnessGram, making it more like an individual health assessment rather than a one-size-fits-all competition with classmates.
