Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE Chief Content Officer and Hall of Famer, has penned an opinion piece for Fox News calling for a renewed national focus on physical fitness. Writing in his capacity as the vice-chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, Levesque detailed plans to revitalize the council and bring back the Presidential Fitness Test under the administration of President Donald Trump.
Levesque announced that President Trump is revitalizing the council, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year having been founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. A core component of this initiative is the reinstatement of the Presidential Fitness Test. Levesque stated that the council intends to work with schools and communities nationwide to encourage Americans to become “healthier, stronger and more active.”
In the article, Levesque cited “alarming” statistics regarding the decline of public health in the United States. He noted that rates of chronic disease and poor nutrition have risen significantly, specifically pointing to childhood diabetes. According to Levesque, one in five American children is currently obese, representing a 270% increase from 50 years ago. He further noted that obese children are five times more likely to remain overweight into adulthood.
Levesque attributed these trends to sedentary lifestyles, increased screen time, and the consumption of “super-sized portions of ultra-processed food.” He argued that schools often fail to instill the necessary lifestyle practices for healthy living, such as exercise and the inclination to challenge oneself.
Levesque used his own background to illustrate the transformative power of fitness. He described himself at 14 years old as “six feet tall, pimple-faced and 130 pounds soaking wet.” He recalled joining a gym in Nashua, New Hampshire, a decision he credited with helping him envision his future and illuminating a “destination.”
He emphasized that the goal of the initiative is not to create professional athletes, but to improve general well-being. “Now I’m not suggesting that you become a WWE Superstar or even an athlete… Just understand that a fitness regimen — doesn’t have to be clanking weights in a gym — will help you get there,” Levesque wrote.
Levesque urged parents to set an example for their children, noting that kids observe behavior as much as they listen to advice. He recommended starting with manageable goals, such as a daily 15-minute walk, which he noted significantly reduces the risk of early mortality.
He concluded with a message on the mental benefits of physical activity. “The reward is on the other side of difficult,” Levesque stated. “Working out will give you discipline. Discipline will give you confidence. It will open up a door to the possible.”
