May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, a tradition started by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. The initiative traces back to 1955, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower learned that nearly 60% of American schoolchildren failed basic strength tests versus 9% in Europe, prompting him to establish the President’s Council on Youth Fitness in 1956.
Bodybuilding leaders played key roles in the council's evolution. President John F. Kennedy consulted fitness pioneer Jack LaLanne for the 1961 rebranding. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush appointed seven-time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger as chairman. Eight-time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney served under Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush. President Trump named former Mr. Universe Lou Ferrigno to the council during his first term.
Now entering the "Decade of Sport" with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and 2034 Salt Lake City Winter Games, President Trump has reinstated the Presidential Physical Fitness Award and appointed two-time U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau as chairman. WWE Hall of Famer Paul "Triple H" Levesque also serves on the council.
With over 75% of young Americans unfit for military service, the council's mission remains a national security priority.