This report describes the history and content of a 4-year research effort on the status of programs for promoting physical fitness and exercise. Two phases of the research work are covered. Discussion on Phase One, initial assessment and design, includes: (1) identification of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports programs; (2) assessment of program operations; (3) literature review and synthesis; and (4) evaluation methodologies. Information provided by Phase Two, implementation of evaluation methodologies, includes: (1) assessment of the establishment and operations of the seven Governor's Councils; (2) testing and awards programs; (3) consumer-initiated public information and sponsor-initiated public information; (4) inventory of health- and physical fitness-related literature and research; (5) assessment and comparison of three fitness and health promotion delivery systems; (6) community fitness programs, employee fitness programs, and Demonstration Center Schools; (7) the nature and extent of community and employee fitness programs; and (8) development of physical fitness and exercise measures. (JD)