WASHINGTON, May 14 DC-President's-Counci
WASHINGTON, May 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The President's Council on
Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) launched its new national Adult Fitness
Test today. The online self-test, available at www.adultfitnesstest.org ,
measures overall fitness levels by assessing aerobic fitness, muscular
strength, endurance, flexibility and body composition.
The Adult Fitness Test was launched at Results Gym in Washington, D.C.,
with the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association, Acting
Surgeon General Dr. Steven Galson, U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp of Tennessee and The
Biggest Loser contestant, Bernardo "Bernie" Salazar. Council member and
fitness expert Denise Austin led a group of adults through a demonstration of
the test.
"The Adult Fitness Test has been adapted from the youth fitness test many
of us remember taking in school," says Melissa Johnson, executive director of
the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. "Now adults have a
test to measure their overall fitness and guide them toward a healthier, more
active life."
The Adult Fitness Test features activities that provide an overall
assessment of a person's physical fitness and can be used to help set fitness
goals and measure progress. The test involves a one-mile walk or 1.5-mile run
to test aerobic fitness, sit-ups or push-ups to test muscular strength and
endurance, a sit-and-reach test to measure flexibility, and a body mass index
(BMI) test to assess body composition. Adults can take the Adult Fitness Test
alone, although it's easier to do with a partner.
"While many Americans know physical activity is important for leading a
healthy life and reducing the risk for many serious diseases, many Americans
don't know where to begin," says Wamp, founder and co-chair of the
Congressional Fitness Caucus. "Everyone has a point at which their new
fitness regimen should start, and this test will help determine what level of
activity is best for each individual."
After taking the test, participants can sign up for the President's
Challenge, too. "The President's Challenge is another online tool offered by
the President's Council," says Johnson. "We encourage Americans to take the
Adult Fitness Test and then continue to participate in regular physical
activity as part of an overall healthy lifestyle by tracking and monitoring
their physical activity at www.presidentschallenge.org ."
About The Council
The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) is an
advisory committee of volunteer citizens who advise the President through the
Secretary of Health and Human Services about physical activity, fitness and
sports in America. The Office of the President's Council on Physical Fitness
and Sports (PCPFS), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is the
HHS office containing the PCPFS Executive Director and support staff. Through
its programs and partnerships with the public, private and nonprofit sectors,
the Office of the PCPFS serves as a catalyst to promote health, physical
activity, fitness and enjoyment for people of all ages, backgrounds and
abilities through participation in physical activity and sports. For more
information about PCPFS please visit www.fitness.gov .
SOURCE The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
