National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is a great time to promote the benefits of physical activity.
Getting active increases your chances of living longer and can help you:
- Control your blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight.
- Raise your "good" cholesterol.
- Prevent heart disease, colorectal cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
Here are some tips to help you get active:
- Aim for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate activity a week. This includes things like walking fast, dancing, or biking.
- Do muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week. Be sure to strengthen all major muscle groups including the legs, hips, back, chest, stomach, shoulders, and arms.
Get Involved
Take action to promote physical fitness.
- Be a community leader. Encourage families and communities to get active and empower them to make better choices.
- Host an information night featuring community members who have increased their physical activity. Ask people to share their stories and tips for success.
- Display the Physical Activity Guidelines poster to encourage people to get active.
- Encourage others to increase their physical activity and sports participation by taking the President’s Challenge. Sign up individually or as a workplace or other group.
- Ask local retail stores and fitness facilities to offer discounted memberships or free guest passes and to share free information about physical fitness and health.
Adapted from the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, & Nutrition and healthfinder.gov.
Contact the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, & Nutrition at fitness@hhs.govfor more information and materials.
