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Trump Is Bringing Back the Presidential Fitness Test

The Trump Presidential Fitness Test: A Modern Twist on an Old Challenge

In the annals of American physical education, few relics evoke as much nostalgia—and dread—as the Presidential Physical Fitness Test. Introduced in the 1950s under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, this battery of exercises was designed to whip the nation's youth into shape amid Cold War fears of flabby, uncompetitive kids. Pull-ups, sit-ups, shuttle runs, and the infamous mile: these were the metrics by which generations of schoolchildren measured their mettle. Fast-forward to today, and the test has largely faded from gym class curricula, replaced by more holistic approaches to wellness. But what if we dusted it off and applied it to the highest office in the land? Enter the "Trump Presidential Fitness Test," a tongue-in-cheek reimagining that blends historical fitness standards with the larger-than-life persona of former President Donald J. Trump.

This concept isn't just a hypothetical parlor game; it's a lens through which to examine presidential health, public perception, and the evolving standards of physical fitness in leadership. Trump's tenure in the White House was marked by bold claims about his vitality—remember his 2018 physical where his doctor proclaimed him in "excellent health" and capable of living to 200 with his genes? Or his boasts about acing a cognitive test that included identifying an elephant? Yet, Trump's fitness routine, often centered around golf and fast food, has long been fodder for satire and scrutiny. In this article, we'll break down what a Trump-inspired version of the classic test might look like, drawing on expert insights from trainers, historians, and medical professionals. We'll explore its components, why it matters in the context of presidential health, and even how you can try a modified version at home to gauge your own "executive" fitness level.

Let's start with the basics. The original Presidential Physical Fitness Test, administered by the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition, included six core events: curl-ups (a safer version of sit-ups), pull-ups or push-ups, a flexibility sit-and-reach, a shuttle run for agility, an endurance run (usually a mile), and sometimes a standing broad jump. To earn the coveted badge, kids needed to score in the 85th percentile or higher. For adults, especially those in high-stress roles like the presidency, these tests could be adapted to assess not just raw strength but functional fitness— the ability to handle the demands of long days, travel, and decision-making under pressure.

In crafting a "Trump" edition, we'd infuse it with elements from his public life. Trump, at 78 years old as of this writing, has never been shy about touting his athleticism. He claims to be an avid golfer with a low handicap, and during his presidency, he often skipped traditional workouts in favor of what he called "executive time." His official health reports listed him at 6-foot-3 and around 240 pounds, though critics have questioned the accuracy. Dr. Ronny Jackson, his former White House physician, once described Trump's heart health as "excellent" and his stamina as remarkable, attributing it to a low-stress lifestyle (a claim that raised eyebrows given the chaos of his administration). But let's get real: how would Trump fare on a revamped fitness test?

Imagine the test kicking off with the "Golf Swing Endurance Challenge." Instead of a simple mile run, participants would simulate Trump's preferred exercise: walking (or carting) 18 holes while swinging a club. Fitness experts like Dr. Jordan Metzl, a sports medicine physician and author of "The Exercise Cure," suggest this could translate to a brisk 5-mile walk with intermittent bursts of activity. "Golf isn't nothing," Metzl says. "It builds core strength, balance, and cardiovascular endurance, especially if you're carrying your bag. But for a president, we'd want to see sustained energy without fatigue—think negotiating trade deals after a round." To pass, you'd need to complete the equivalent distance in under 90 minutes while maintaining a heart rate that shows aerobic efficiency.

Next up: the "Tweet Storm Agility Drill," a nod to Trump's prolific social media use. This modernizes the shuttle run, where you'd dash back and forth between cones, mimicking the quick reflexes needed for rapid-fire responses. In Trump's case, it's a metaphor for mental sharpness amid chaos. Cognitive fitness is increasingly part of presidential health assessments, as seen in recent debates over age and acuity. Neuropsychologist Dr. Elizabeth Zelinski explains, "Agility isn't just physical; it's about processing speed. Trump has boasted about his 'stable genius' brain, but a real test would measure how quickly he adapts to unexpected stressors, like a surprise press conference." For the average person, this could involve a 30-second burst of high knees or lateral shuffles, repeated for sets, aiming for minimal recovery time.

Strength components get a Trumpian flair too. Pull-ups? Make it "Wall-Building Push-Ups," evoking his signature border wall promise. Instead of standard push-ups, you'd do incline variations against a wall, building up to full bodyweight reps. Trump isn't known for gym rat habits, but his doctors have noted decent upper-body strength from years of handshakes and gesturing at rallies. Personal trainer Sarah Johnson, who works with executives, adapts this: "Presidents need functional strength for everything from lifting briefing books to enduring long flights. We'd test for 20-30 push-ups in a minute, focusing on form to prevent injury—something crucial for someone in their 70s."

Core work evolves into the "Deal-Making Sit-Ups," where you'd perform curl-ups while reciting negotiation tactics, blending physical and mental endurance. Trump's book "The Art of the Deal" could inspire the verbal component, ensuring the test isn't just about abs but about maintaining composure under strain. Flexibility? The "Executive Stretch," incorporating yoga poses like the warrior, to symbolize reaching across the aisle. Trump's reported diet—heavy on burgers and Diet Coke—might not scream flexibility, but experts like nutritionist Dr. Lisa Young point out that even small mobility gains can combat the sedentary nature of desk jobs. "For a leader, being limber means adaptability," she says. "We'd measure a sit-and-reach of at least 10 inches forward."

But why bother with such a whimsical reframing? At its heart, this test highlights a serious issue: the transparency and standards of presidential fitness. Unlike athletes or military personnel, U.S. presidents aren't required to undergo rigorous, public physical exams beyond basic checkups. Trump's era amplified this, with debates over his weight, cholesterol, and even a mysterious hospital visit in 2019. Historians like Dr. Robert Dallek, author of books on presidential health, argue that fitness has always been political theater. "From FDR hiding his polio to JFK's back issues, leaders project strength," Dallek notes. "Trump took it to new heights with hyperbole, but in an aging population, we need real metrics."

For context, compare Trump to other presidents. Barack Obama was a basketball enthusiast, often seen jogging or playing pickup games, easily acing an endurance run. Ronald Reagan chopped wood on his ranch, building ranch-hand strength. Even Joe Biden, at 82, cycles and works out with a trainer, though his gait has drawn scrutiny. A standardized test could level the playing field, ensuring voters know if their leader can physically handle the job's rigors— from climbing Air Force One stairs to enduring global summits.

Experts weigh in on feasibility. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends adults over 65 aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, plus strength training. Trump reportedly meets this through golf, but a full test would reveal gaps. "It's not about shaming; it's about inspiration," says fitness advocate Michelle Obama, whose Let's Move! campaign echoed the original presidential test's goals. "If we adapt it for leaders, it could motivate everyone to prioritize health."

Want to try the Trump Presidential Fitness Test yourself? Here's a home version:

Golf Endurance Walk: Walk or jog 3-5 miles, incorporating 10-15 "swings" (arm circles) every half-mile. Time yourself and monitor energy levels.

Agility Drill: Set up cones 10 yards apart. Shuttle run for 30 seconds, rest 30, repeat 5 times. Aim for 20-30 touches.

Wall Push-Ups: Do 3 sets of 15-20 against a wall or floor. Focus on full range.

Deal-Making Curl-Ups: Lie on your back, curl up 20-30 times while counting aloud or reciting affirmations.

Executive Stretch: Sit with legs extended, reach for toes. Hold for 30 seconds, repeat 3 times.

Cognitive Bonus: After physical tests, solve a puzzle or recall a list of items to mimic mental stamina.

Score yourself on a scale: 85% or higher earns you a "MAGA Merit Badge." Below that? Time to hit the links—or the gym.

Ultimately, the Trump Presidential Fitness Test isn't about partisanship; it's a reminder that fitness is universal. In a world where leaders face unprecedented stresses, from pandemics to geopolitical tensions, physical resilience matters. Whether you're a former president teeing off at Mar-a-Lago or an everyday American lacing up sneakers, the test challenges us to ask: Are we fit to lead our own lives? As Trump might say, it's time to make fitness great again.

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Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/31/well/move/trump-presidential-fitness-test.html ]