Ed. Note: This is a cross post from the blog of fitness.gov. You can find the original post here.

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month! President Obama has encouraged the nation to engage in regular physical activity and sport participation this month and we can’t wait to see how everyone rises up to this challenge. There are so many fun ways to get and stay active:  

• playing sports with friends
• walking your dog
• gardening in a community garden
• going for a hike in a national park
• recess and physical education at school
• fitness classes with friends and family

The possibilities are endless! No matter your age, location, or ability, you can find ways to be active that are fun and work for you!

Current Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that adults participate in at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week and youth participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Physical activity, along with proper nutrition, provides long-term health benefits for everyone. Did you know regular activity helps prevent and manage chronic disease and supports positive mental health and healthy aging?  It can also improve sleep, reduce stress and increase self-esteem. There are so many important reasons to stay fit and active, so get moving and encourage your friends and family to join you on your fitness journey.

The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition has made it our mission to help you have opportunities to move more, have fun and live a healthier life. In collaboration with First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative, the Council’s Let’s Move! Active Schools initiative helps schools incorporate activity into all aspects of the school day. To break down barriers for individuals with disabilities and to promote environments where people of all ability levels are able to lead healthy and active lives, we have put forth a collaborative international call to action campaign: Commit to Inclusion. Additionally, the I Can Do It, You Can Do It! program facilitates increased access and opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to participate in regular activity and learn about nutrition. There are so many different ways for everyone to stay fit and active in their home, school or community.  Find an activity that you love and – let’s move!

As a fun and easy way to track your fitness progress and stick to your commitments, we encourage you to participate in the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award program. This free program is available to anyone above the age of six and helps you set physical activity and nutrition goals. And the best part of the program is that it’s not just for May. It’s available year-round to support your healthy and active goals.

To find other tips to get active during National Physical Fitness and Sports Month and beyond, visit www.fitness.gov. Share your fitness journey on Twitter with the President’s Council @FitnessGov using #MoveInMay. We can’t wait to see how you are staying active and healthy during the month of May and beyond!