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IFBB International Children’s Fitness Challenge USA
Making American Kids Fit Again. Who Is America’s Fittest Kid?
Overview
The IFBB International Children’s Fitness Challenge USA is a nationally recognized youth fitness competition designed to improve physical fitness, confidence, and athletic performance in children ages 6 to 15. This fast-growing program is part of an international IFBB initiative, giving young athletes the opportunity to compete locally, nationally, and on the world stage.
Our mission is simple and powerful: make American kids fit again while preparing them to excel in international competition, the Presidential Fitness Awards, and lifelong health.
What Is the IFBB Children’s Fitness Challenge?
The IFBB Children’s Fitness Challenge is a timed circuit-style competition consisting of six fitness stations. Athletes aim to complete the maximum number of repetitions in one minute per station, with one-minute rest intervals between exercises.
The Six Fitness Stations
- Half Squats
- Push-Ups (45-degree angle)
- Burpees
- Sit-Ups
- Side Jumps Over Rope
- Plank Hold
This format tests strength, endurance, agility, and core stability, creating a well-rounded measurement of overall fitness.
Age & Division Categories
The competition is divided by boys and girls, with age groups ranging from 6 to 15 years old, broken down into two-year divisions:
- Ages 6–7
- Ages 8–9
- Ages 10–11
- Ages 12–13
- Ages 14–15
This structure ensures fair competition while encouraging participation at all fitness levels.
USA Vision & International Pathway
The vision of the IFBB International USA Children’s Fitness Challenge is to develop a strong national team capable of representing the United States at major international IFBB events, including:
- North American Championships
- Pan American Championships
- IFBB World Championships
Through structured competition and national selection, young athletes gain a clear pathway from local events to world-level competition.
2026 USA Competition Schedule
Three major IFBB Children’s Fitness Challenge events are scheduled in the United States for 2026, with additional competitions to be announced.
Confirmed Events
April 25, 2026
• IFBB Children’s Fitness Challenge Champions – City of Doral, Florida
July 2026
• IFBB Florida Championships – Children & Adults
August 2026
• IFBB USA National Championships – Children & Adults
Sponsorship & Advancement
- Winners from the Doral and Florida Championships will be sponsored to compete at the USA National Championships.
- The USA National Champion will be sponsored to compete at the IFBB World Championships.
National Fitness Movement Alignment
The IFBB International Children’s Fitness Challenge USA aligns directly with the national push to restore youth fitness in America.
- In January 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order reinstating the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, along with revisions to the Presidential Fitness Test and Awards.
- This initiative supports MAHA – Make America Healthy Again, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., United States Secretary of Health and Human Services.
A Historical Commitment to Youth Fitness
- 1956: President Dwight D. Eisenhower established the President’s Council on Youth Fitness.
- 1960: President John F. Kennedy highlighted national fitness concerns in his Sports Illustrated article, “The Soft American.”
- JFK later expanded and renamed the program to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness.
Today, rising inactivity due to social media and video gaming makes this mission more important than ever.
Leadership & Authorization
The IFBB International Children’s Fitness Challenge USA is led by experienced fitness and sports professionals:
Julio Anta
• IFBB Federation USA Chairman – Children’s Fitness Challenge Committee
• Former competitive bodybuilder, martial arts instructor, and fitness pioneer
• Founder of Anta’s Fitness and Self Defense, established in Doral, Florida in 1998
Jimmy Fernandez
• IFBB USA Chairman – Coaches Committee
• IFBB Physique Competitor
Authorized By:
• Carlos Cortez, President – IFBB International USA
• Rafael Santonja, President – IFBB International
About the IFBB International
The International Fitness and Bodybuilding (IFBB) Federation a non-profit organization was founded in 1946 by Joe and Ben Weider.
- Over 200 affiliate member nations
- Recognized as the 5th largest international sports federation in the world
The IFBB is a global leader in fitness, health, and athletic development.
Our Mission
Our goal goes beyond creating competition champions. We aim to develop:
- Fit, confident, and resilient children
- Future leaders in sport and life
- Youth who excel in the Presidential Fitness Awards
- A healthier, stronger next generation
We are building fitness for life.
Get Involved
Whether you are a parent, coach, school, sponsor, or organization, we invite you to be part of the IFBB International Children’s Fitness Challenge USA.
For participation or sponsorship information:
Telephone: 305-599-3649
Email: fitdef@aol.com
IFBB International Children’s Fitness Challenge USA
Making American Kids Fit Again
