Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (L) and Pete Hegseth (R) Image: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The Pete and Bobby Fitness Challenge is a high-profile, patriotic fitness initiative launched by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—aka “Pete” and “Bobby” respectively. It’s part of a broader campaign to Make America Healthy Again, inspired by President Trump’s push to revive the Presidential Fitness Test.
Participants aim to complete:
- 100 push-ups
- 50 pull-ups
- In under 10 minutes
Purpose and Message
- Promote physical fitness and healthy living across America
- Encourage Americans to be “fit, not fat”
- Reinforce military readiness and national strength
- Serve as a symbolic call to action for citizens to take their health seriously
Where It Happened
The original showdown took place at the Pentagon, surrounded by personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, and Department of Defense. Both secretaries gave it their all, and originally tried to do it in less than 5 minutes, but were ultimately outpaced by several service members who crushed the challenge in under 4 minutes.
Cultural Impact
The challenge sparked both praise and mockery online—especially over Pete Hegseth’s unconventional pull-up form. But the core message remains: get moving, get strong, and challenge others to do the same. Seriously, if a couple of old guys can do it, you should at least give it a try!
Secretary Kennedy actually encouraged younger Americans to accept the challenge, stating the fact that 78% of young Americans don’t qualify for military service, primarily because they fail to meet the minimum physical fitness standards.
Not only that, but nearly two-thirds of the current U.S. military is considered overweight. “Completely unacceptable,” Hegseth wrote on X. “This is what happens when standards are IGNORED — and this is what we are changing.”
The broader Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement encourages citizens to ditch processed foods in favor of whole, natural nutrition, while urging a return to regular exercise and discipline in everyday life.
Training Plan
Want to try the Pete and Bobby Fitness Challenge? Completing 100 push-ups and 50 pull-ups in under 10 minutes is a serious test of upper body strength, endurance, and mental fortitude.
When designing your own custom training plan, you’ll need to consider:
- Current fitness level (e.g., beginner, intermediate, advanced)
- How many push-ups and pull-ups you can currently do in one set
- How many days per week you can train
- Any injuries or other limitations
Here’s how to train smart and crush it…
Strategy First
- Time your sets: Practice doing push-ups and pull-ups under timed conditions. Learn your pace.
- Break it down: Don’t try to do all reps in one go. Plan for sets like 5×20 push-ups and 5×10 pull-ups.
- Alternate movements: Switch between push-ups and pull-ups to give muscle groups brief recovery.
Training Tips
- Progressive overload: Gradually increase reps and reduce rest time each week.
- Grease the groove: Do multiple submaximal sets throughout the day (e.g., 10 push-ups every hour).
- Assisted pull-ups: Use resistance bands or a pull-up machine to build volume if you’re not there yet.
- Push-up variations: Mix in incline, decline, and explosive push-ups to build strength and endurance.
Nutrition & Recovery
- Eat clean: Focus on lean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats to fuel your workouts.
- Hydrate: Dehydration kills performance—drink water consistently.
- Sleep: Recovery is where gains happen. Aim for 7-9 hours nightly.
Mental Prep
- Visualize success: Picture yourself completing the challenge with confidence.
- Track progress: Keep a log to stay motivated and see improvements.
- Challenge a friend: Accountability makes training more fun and effective.
Have fun getting in shape and let us know how you do! Did you crush the Pete and Bobby Fitness Challenge?
