Introduction “Exercise and recreation are as necessary as reading; I would rather say more necessary because health is worth more than learning” -Thomas Jefferson Physical fitness is defined as the ability to meet the daily demands of life, without excessive fatigue, maintaining sufficient energy for leisure activities and to overcome situations emergencies that could arise personally and professionally (Smith and Tooker,….). Today, the importance of physical fitness is recognized as an essential component of a healthy and active lifestyle and should be a priority in most people's lives. It should come as no surprise that physical fitness and exercise improve long-term health. The benefits of exercise, strength training, and cardiovascular exercise have been shown to improve a person's quality of life in many ways. Living a long, healthy lifestyle free of disease and obesity should be a goal for everyone. When fit, both physically and mentally, a person is more confident, alert and aware when physically fit. Being physically fit and doing continuous exercise has a direct impact on work performance and reduces daily stress. However, in general, most Americans are overweight. In fact, the United States has the highest obesity rate in the world with over 30% of Americans considered obese. Added to this is that less than 15% of Americans exercise regularly. Studies have shown that sedentary people have double the risk of coronary heart disease compared to active people. The lifestyle of the American public has become more sedentary and has been identified as a major contributing factor to the top 10 causes of death (Harris…). Healthy habits associated with this sedentary lifestyle have been shown to correlate with diseases such as...... middle of paper ......most veterans of various branches of the U.S. military recognize the importance of physical fitness not only for work performance but also for a long and healthy lifestyle. In discussing the assigned EDI project with SFPD Chief Riffel, I was advised to research and recommend an entry-level physical fitness exam for candidates along with an annual physical fitness test for all sworn officers in the department. Currently, the State of Wisconsin Department of Justice does not govern or recommend a physical fitness standard for law enforcement officers. For my research project, I will explore the costs of implementing an entry-level physical fitness exam for applicants and maintaining a program for sworn officers of the Sheboygan Falls Police Department. Additionally, I will present a physical fitness program that has been scientifically validated and legally defensible.