Presidential Physical Fitness Test
When I was 10 - 12 years old we were required to take a new physical test that was Sponsored by the good old United States of America. As my website states I want to age “Gracefully”. To be honest I have stepped it up a notch since we have closed our physical retail store. I currently run as much as I can when I am in warm climates, particularly on the beach. I do hot pilates a few says a week when I can. I peloton almost every day when I am in cold climates. I also enjoy surfing when the waves are good. I do bike on the beach when the tide is low and look forward to bring my road bike down in a few months. In our quest to organize our lives we have been going through old boxes in our house. Basically getting rid of 16 years worth of what ever the fuck you call it. Going down memory lane and transitioning in life led me to reflect on the Presidential Physical Fitness test that we took when were in grade school. I knew we had taken it but did could not find the right box with the proof, until I did!
There it was, actually there were two. Apparently I had passed the test in two different years. One certificate was signed by President Ronald Reagan and the other was signed by Georg W. Bush. Two stickers and 2 patches. Well, when you are me and you are trying to age well by eating healthy and working out there is only one thing there is to do.
TAKE THE DAMN TEST AGAIN JACK
It’s how I am wired and challenge accepted. I am going to train to hopefully pass the Presidential Physical Fitness test again before I turn 50, or maybe when I turn 50. I haven’t figured out the jist of it yet but thus we proceed. I am going to train for this like I trained for the marathon I did. I am going to follow a daily training regiment to see if I can accomplish it and going to blog about it as I train.
Here are the requirements, although I have seen certain measurements being a bit different.
🏅 Presidential Physical Fitness Award (Classic 1980s Version)
President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
How it worked:
You had to score in the top 15% nationally for your age and sex
Across 5 events
No substitutions, no averaging — you had to perform in all five
🧪 The 5 Required Events
6
1️⃣ Pull-Ups (or Flexed-Arm Hang for some kids)
Boys standard (top tier): ~12–15+ pull-ups
Strict form. Full hang → chin over bar.
👉 Adult reality check: This will likely be the hardest one at 49.
2️⃣ Sit-Ups (1 minute)
Boys top 15%: ~45–50 sit-ups
Hands behind head (old-school), feet held.
3️⃣ Shuttle Run (Agility)
Distance: 30 feet (10 yards) back and forth
Top tier time: ~8.5–9.0 seconds
This one sneaks up on people — explosive legs + coordination.
4️⃣ Sit-and-Reach (Flexibility)
Top tier: ~12–14 inches past toes
Slow, controlled reach — no bouncing.
Good news: hot Pilates + surfing = built-in advantage here.
5️⃣ 1-Mile Run
Boys top 15%: ~6:30–7:00 minutes
Cardio efficiency matters more than brute speed.
Today I did 43 sit ups in 60 seconds and was able to really grab my toes when properly stretched.
I am pretty sure I can do the mile but will have to wait for warmer weather location for that training. The shuttle run has me a bit concerned but I think I should be able to pass it. Pull ups and sit and reach have me most worried but I am going to train and make sure I hit those numbers. Time will tell.
GO BEARS!!!!!!!!