 This study examined the impact of COVID-19 policies on physical fitness in elementary school children in Austria. The results showed that body mass index percentiles were significantly higher in children post COVID-19 as well as decreases in cardiorespiratory endurance, agility and flexibility, with only muscular strength being higher in the year 2022. Given the detrimental effects of COVID-19 policies on physical fitness in children, additional efforts are necessary that include versatile opportunities for physical activity and the promotion of physical fitness in order to modify the observed negative health trajectories and ensure future public health. This article was authored by Clemens Drenowatz, Jerson Ferrari, Klaus Greyer and others.