RFK Jr. touts presidential fitness test during stop in Iowa
Mon, August 17, 2026 at 4:48 PM
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RFK Jr. touts presidential fitness test during stop in Iowa
DES MOINES, Iowa —U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. joined U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks at the Newton YMCA on Monday to promote youth fitness and the return of the Presidential Fitness Test
Kennedy and Miller-Meeks spoke about efforts to get children more active and improve youth health
“We have the sickest population the obesity rates [in] are children is up to 20% today and we have the highest chronic disease burden of any nation in the world,” Kennedy said. “77% of American youth cannot qualify for military service and that should get everyone’s attention.”
The visit was also part of a broader Trump administration effort focused on increasing physical activity among children
Children participating in the Newton YMCA’s summer camp program took part in a demonstration of the Presidential Fitness Test, which Iowa students will be required to take during the upcoming school year
“Presidential Fitness Test isn’t about competition or elite athletes or Olympians,” Miller-Meeks said. “Its just emphasizing that activity and physical activity and outdoor activity is an option for parents and starting that in the Y or in the school system helps to make that front of mind for parents.”
The Newton YMCA is also receiving $2.79 million in community project funding secured by Miller-Meeks
The funding will go toward creating 50 new child care slots and supporting youth programs and access to fitness opportunities
