Are you physically fit? It’s no secret that many Americans have become less physically active over the past 20 years. As a result, many people — including children — struggle with weight-related health issues like never before.

To help people of all ages and abilities learn more about exercise and nutrition, the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition started the President’s Challenge. The goal of the President’s Challenge is to encourage all Americans to adopt a healthier lifestyle through regular exercise and healthy eating.

Children in schools across the United States participate in the President’s Challenge as part of their physical education classes each year. Students who complete all five events — sit-ups, pull-ups, one-mile walk, shuttle run and v-sit — are eligible to win one of three awards.

The top 15 percent receive The Presidential Physical Fitness Award. Those in the 50th to 85th percentile receive The National Physical Fitness Award, while those below the 50th percentile receive The Participant Physical Fitness Award.

Of course, you don’t have to be a student to participate in the President’s Challenge. The President’s Challenge is for everyone, from adults to kids and fitness beginners to elite athletes.

The President’s Challenge has helped millions of people to become more physically fit, feel better and begin to lead more active lifestyles.

Depending on your age and your fitness goals, the President’s Challenge actually consists of four separate challenges:

• The Physical Fitness Test is for kids and teens.
• The Adult Fitness Test focuses on flexibility, aerobic fitness and muscular strength of adults.
• The Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) challenges people of all ages to make physical activity part of their everyday lives.
• The Presidential Champions Challenge encourages those who are very serious about physical fitness to be more active more often.

So, if you want to become more physically fit or need a little nudge to become more active, the President’s Challenge is for you. If you want to become more active as a family, consider the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) challenge.

The PALA program helps you to be physically active on a regular basis by encouraging you to do things you enjoy. With more than 100 possible activities, it’s easy for everyone in your family to find a fun way to become more active! Playing, gardening, sports, walking, jogging — these and many more activities meet the requirements.

To complete the PALA challenge, adults need to be active at least 30 minutes per day, at least five days per week, for six out of eight weeks. Kids need to be active at least 60 minutes per day during the same period.

The PALA challenge encourages you to make daily physical activity a part of your lifestyle. If you make fitness a priority in your daily routine, it becomes a good habit that will help you stay active and healthier over the course of your life.

No matter how old you are or what shape you’re currently in, the President’s Challenge programs encourage you and your family to choose to move. It’s never too late to become more active, and there are many activities to choose from. So get moving today!