Ed. Note: This was cross-posted from the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition blog.

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is the perfect time for children and families to get outside and play together! You don’t have to do back flips in the Olympics or throw a football 40 yards down the field to be active and break a sweat. Whether you ride your bike to work or school or chase after your dog in the park, physical activity can be fun and it helps you feel good too.

First Lady Michelle Obama runs with kids during the "Let’s Move!" South Lawn series kick-off at the White House, May 25, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

 

President Barack Obama issued a proclamation declaring May National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. In that proclamation he calls on all Americans to make daily physical activity, sports participation and good nutrition a priority in their lives.

You’ve probably heard that today in America, one-third of all children and two-thirds of all adults are overweight or obese. We know that physical activity can help build lean muscle, reduce fat, and promote strong bone, muscle and joint development so what are you waiting for? Through her Let’s Move! initiative, First Lady Michelle Obama has formed a coalition of supporters including community and faith based organizations, schools and childcare centers, local governments, and corporations to help end childhood obesity within a generation.

This time of year in most parts of the country, the weather makes is easy to explore America’s great outdoors. So the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition is challenging everyone to pick up a new activity or sport, and help guide your loved ones and neighbors to better health! 

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama watch a balance beam demonstration hosted by gymnast Dominique Dawes, far left, on the South Lawn of the White House, Sept. 16, 2009. Also pictured are Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett (second from left) and former Olympic athlete Jackie Joyner Kersee (in white shirt). (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

 

Did you know that May is also Older Americans Month? It’s never too early – or too late – to lead a healthy lifestyle. We want Americans of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to set new physical activity and healthy eating goals, and track your progress online while earning a Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA+). That’s right – you can actually receive presidential recognition by improving your health. What more motivation do you need to get fit?

As the First Lady often says, we want to make the healthy choice the easy choice and PALA+ is the easy choice to jumpstart or maintain a healthy lifestyle. It doesn’t matter how old you are or where you live, anyone can participate in PALA+. The physical activity requirements are as simple as 60 minutes a day for kids – 30 minutes a day for adults, and five days a week for six weeks. Each week, you also add a healthy eating goal and build upon those goals throughout the six week period. 

So what are you waiting for? Earn your PALA+ today and follow us on Twitter @FitnessGov for tips to stay motivated throughout the month!