WASHINGTON, May 14 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