In the early days of physical education, the value of physical fitness was associated with preparation for defense in wartime and preventive medicine. Physical fitness waned in importance in the period between the two World Wars, to become concommitant to other objectives of physical education. A resurgence in emphasis on fitness was triggered and promoted by presidents of the United States by the establishment of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Physical fitness projects developed and conducted by public schools during this period sought to improve and strengthen students physically, individually, mentally, and emotionally and to promote interest in and support for physical fitness. The present-day running-jogging phenomenon appears to be indicative of attitudes toward physical fitness today. The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance has done much to promote physical fitness, and in particular, has encouraged physical fitness research. (JD)