Do you remember taking the President's Physical Fitness Test when you were little? I do, sort of. It was sometime in the mid-to-late 70s at Hanover Elementary School in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Our gym (which was also the cafeteria) was divided into different sections for the various tests. I remember feeling both nervous about passing and somewhat important in a youthful, patriotic way. I also remember really killing it on the sit-up section and really suffering at chin-ups.
 
Guess what, Aunties? The President's Challenge still exists and has grown past gym class! It's been going strong for 55 years. You and your nieces and nephews can celebrate President's Day by signing up for the challenge together. That's right: regardless of your age or the ages of the kids in your life, and regardless of your fitness level or theirs, you can go online and commit to making physical activity a part of your life and hopefully a part of your daily routine. Whether you see each other every day or even live near each other, you can bond by challenging each other...talk about some healthy competition!
 
Aunties, sign up for the challenge now – and enter your nieces and nephews, too!

Thank you, Mr. Presidents!

Amy Shigo is a sports journalist.

Published: February 15, 2011