Family Health & Fitness Day USA Timeline

1980s

​Physical education programs were curtailed

​Due to a recession, this decade saw educational institutions cut many physical fitness programs.

​1975

​Gender discriminated was lifted

Congress amended the Federal Education Act in order to end gender discrimination in school gym classes.

​1966

​Presidents created a fitness test

​The Presidential Fitness Test Award helped measure kids' physical fitness.

​1823

​Massachusetts was the first state to take physical education seriously

​Round Hill School in Northampton implemented physical education as an important part of its program.

​​1820

Schools introduced physical education

​This included gymnastics and hygiene — among other things.