Physical Wellbeing
Celebrate National Physical Fitness and Sports Month!
Did you know that May is “National Physical Fitness and Sports” Month? You don’t have to be an elite athlete to celebrate – there are many ways to be physically active! Read through this challenge to learn more about the month and for ideas on how you can participate.
The Challenge
May is “National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. This theme month – designated by every sitting president since 1983 – is an initiative of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition and is intended to highlight the importance of staying active through sports and other activities. But you don’t have to be an athlete to celebrate; engaging in any kind of physical activity (no matter how big or small) will count.
Increased physical activity can strengthen your body and helps with weight loss, as well as decrease stress and improve your mood. It can also help older adults maintain their independence. We challenge you to participate in National Physical Fitness and Sports Month this year!
Some everyday physical activity ideas include:
- Gardening/yard work. As spring gives way to summer, it may be time to get your garden or yard ready! Pulling those weeds or mowing your yard can serve as a great opportunity to sneak in some physical activity. Don’t have a garden or yard of your own? Volunteer to do yard work for a local shelter or rehabilitation center.
- Wash the car by hand. Is the spring pollen that’s covering your car driving you crazy? Use this chore as an excuse to move more!
- Take a family walk after dinner. Studies have shown that walking after a meal can help people lose weight. It doesn’t have to be long – a walk as short as five minutes can have health benefits. Why not try it? Challenge your family to try walking two or three times per week after dinner during the month of May, and let us know how it goes!
Looking for something a little more advanced?
- Join an adult sports league. Many cities have kickball or pickleball leagues or groups you can join. Was there a sport you used to play? There is probably an adult league near you, or start a club with your friends.
- Try a new sport. Take tennis, swimming, or dance lessons. Is there a sport you always wanted to try? Find a private instructor who can teach you!
- Replace your car for your daily commute. If you drive to work every day, challenge yourself to bike to work instead.
How do you plan to celebrate National Physical Fitness and Sports month? Tell us in your Challenge Completion Form!
Let’s Get Together
Challenge a friend or a Sister to increase your daily physical activity by 30 minutes every day in the month of May.