What Is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month?

Did you know that May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month? An annual observance, National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is the time to highlight the importance of staying active through sports and other fitness activities.

Regular physical activity is good for everyone’s health, and people of all ages and body types can be physically active. May is a great time to spread the word about the benefits of getting active.

Physical activity has several benefits for everyone:

• Children and adolescents – Improve muscular fitness, bone health, and heart health
• Adults – Lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer
• Older adults – Lower the risk of falls and improve cognitive functioning (like learning and judgment skills)

Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to create opportunities for everyone to get more physical activity.

How Can National Physical Fitness and Sports Month Make a Difference?

We all can utilize this month to help raise awareness about the benefits of physical activity while spreading the word about fun ways to get going!

A few ideas include:

• Encourage families to make small changes, like taking a walk after dinner or going for a bike ride.
• Motivate teachers and administrators to make physical activity a part of every student’s day.
• Identify youth leaders in the community who can talk to their peers about the importance of being active.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults:

• Aim for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. This includes things like walking fast, dancing, swimming, and raking leaves.
• Do muscle-strengthening activities – like lifting weights or using exercise bands – at least 2 days a week.

Physical activity good is for everyone’s health. No matter what shape you are in, you can find activities that work for you. Together, we can rise to the challenge and get more active during the month of May!

There are several different parks in White House, Goodlettsville, Greenbrier, and Portland that are available for the public to use. With the nicer weather and longer days, now is the perfect time to get into a steady routine of exercise.

What Are The Health Benefits?

Physical activity increases your chances of living longer. It can also help:

• Control your blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight
• Lower your “bad” cholesterol and raise your “good” cholesterol
• Prevent heart disease, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and type 2 diabetes

And that’s not all. Being more active can:

• Be fun
• Help you sleep better
• Make your bones, muscles, and joints stronger
• Lower your chances of becoming depressed
• Reduce falls and arthritis pain
• Help you feel better about yourself