What better time to focus on dusting off those running shoes, tuning up your bike, or finding that old tennis racket than National Physical Fitness and Sports Month? Remember: you don’t have to be an elite athlete to get out and move. All you need is to carve out 30 minutes daily to start incorporating exercise into your routine. Not your cup of tea? Find an accountability friend to keep you active—someone who will go on that walk with you rain or shine.
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion has developed some programs to help you get up and #MoveinMay!
Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA+)
The Presidential Active Lifestyle Award is a FREE 8 week program that promotes healthy diet and lifestyle choices based on the latest recommendations. As if that’s not enough, they also have a healthy eating and physical activity tracking program, fittingly named the SuperTracker online tool
Presidential Champions
The Presidential Champions program is the program for you if exercising is the only option; it aims to keep regular physical activity part of your daily lifestyle. This is great as the next step after completing the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award.
I Can Do It, You Can Do It! The I Can Do It, You Can Do It! (ICDI) program facilitates opportunities for all Americans, regardless of ability, to lead a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and good nutrition. This is a great program for kids and adults with disabilities. There are resources that are included to keep you engaged, and you’ll also receive recognition through the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award.
—Dr. Suzanne McMurry