Many people online have been taken aback by memories of their younger days after hearing about Donald Trump’s plan to reintroduce a rigorous fitness test into American schools.
The President has issued a staggering 176 executive orders since taking office again in January, according to the Federal Register.
Though some decisions have varied in importance, this latest one has reopened wounds from school days for many in a certain age group.
On Thursday, July 31st, the President signed an executive order to bring back the Presidential Fitness Test to public schools. Joining him were golfer Bryson DeChambeau, Kansas City Chiefs player Harrison Butker, and former New York Giants star Lawrence Taylor.
The Presidential Fitness Test, introduced by President Lyndon B. Johnson back in 1966, consisted of exercises like a one-mile run, sit-ups, push-ups, and pull-ups.
President Barack Obama phased out the Presidential Fitness Test in 2012, replacing it with a new program called FitnessGram.
In his comments on Thursday, Trump expressed: “This initiative is a crucial part of our goal to make America healthy again.”
“What we’re doing is quite important. Since the era of President Dwight D Eisenhower, this council has promoted the health and strength of the American people. We proudly maintain this tradition today.”
The President further mentioned: “This was a substantial tradition, and we’re thrilled to revive it. It’s proven to be incredibly popular.”
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, shared with CNN: “President Trump is committed to giving every young American the chance to focus on a healthy and active lifestyle, fostering a culture of strength and excellence for the future.”
One individual recalled: “I remember doing this test in elementary school. The audio from this test still echoes in my mind. I barely managed to get to 15 before I quit… as a child, fitness was not my strength.”