May Month Activity Ideas

Organizations both public and private are encouraged to celebrate National Physical Fitness and Sports Month as a kickoff to or celebration of more physically active lifestyles. The following can be used singly or in combination to celebrate a more active America!

Group Events

• Hold an event to celebrate physical fitness and sports month. There are many other observances (hyper link to list of observances and events) that take place in May (e.g., Older American's Month, National Bike Month, Clean Air Month, etc.). Consider partnering with organizations promoting these observances in an effort to conserve resources while reaching a wider audience. Doing so also shows how physical activity is impacted by numerous environmental and lifestyle factors and plays an integral role in preventing other health conditions affecting the mind, body, and spirit. Use the event to get people started on one of the President's Challenge award programs at www.presidentschallenge.org.
• Encourage employers in the community to observe National Employee Health and Fitness Day on May 19. Outline safe walking routes in major business centers (downtown, business parks, etc). Send a map to employers with a packet of information on physical inactivity and the strain poor diet and physical inactivity place on the health care system (and worker productivity). Urge employers to allow and encourage physical activity time for employees. Employers and employees need to remember that every bit of activity counts from stretching at the workstation to taking the stairs. In addition, 10-30 minute walks completed on breaks or at lunch offer numerous health benefits and the maps you provide can help facilitate such movement.
• Write an editorial for your local newspaper highlighting the importance of physical activity in everyday life. Since your message will be reaching an adult population, highlight the role of parents, caregivers, teachers, and community leaders-to serve as role models for family members, students, and constituents.

Ideas for Individuals

• Get Active: Find below information you can distribute to a variety of individuals, including those who are already active, inactive, or under the age of 18.
  • Sign-up yourself, your family, friends, or co-workers on www.presidentschallenge.org. Through the group function of the website, you can invite as many members to join your group as you would like. By working together, you or your group members might find you get that extra motivation each day to get up or to get out and move. There are over 100 activities you can choose from and log in durations as short as 5 minutes.
  • Do you find you have trouble keeping up with your children or grandchildren or
    think a walk around the block seems nearly impossible? There's no time like the present to get moving. Make a contract with yourself (we even provide a paper copy you can print off and sign). Commit to taking small steps to get moving. More information on small steps you can take can be found at www.smallsteps.gov
  • Find an activity buddy! If you are already active at least 30 minutes a day on 5 or more days each week, make a commitment to get a friend or family member to be active with you. The point is to help your friend or family member see that being physically active doesn't take a lot of time and can be fun. Make your activity date one you and your buddy will want to come back to by identifying an activity that both of you enjoy-taking a walk, going for a hike, taking a new class together. Remember-your activity buddy may not have the same stamina, flexibility, or muscular strength that you do, so take it easy with him or her and encourage them to gradually build on their activity time. Starting off with 5 days of high-intensity cardiovascular workouts will most likely find your friend injured and/or burnt out 2-3 weeks later. Whatever you do-be motivating and recognize each small accomplishment to ensure your buddy wants to come back for more. Find small, healthy, and enjoyable ways you can reward each milestone (e.g., a pack of gum, a gift certificate to the movies or take in a show together, new tennis or golf balls, a homemade card saying "Congrats.")
  • Are you bored with your current exercise program or maybe you find it easy to say: "Not today." Try kicking it up a notch. Take a new class: add strength training or flexibility enhancing maneuvers to your current routine. Try setting a goal like completing a local 5-K (3 mile run or walk). Change your workout time-maybe you'll find you like morning, noon, or evening workouts better. Sometimes the hardest part is just putting on your shoes to move!
  • Children ages 6-17 need at least 60 minutes of activity on 5 or more days each week. With advances in technology and transportation, children have more reason now than ever to sit, whether it is in front of a computer or TV, while on the phone, during class, or after school doing homework. Help your child, grandchild, sibling or student find an activity or sport they enjoy or would like to learn. Encourage them to pursue active play time-going for a walk with friends, shooting hoops while "hanging out," or biking or walking to school (if safe routes are identifiable).
  • Actively play with your younger children, siblings, or grandchildren instead of letting them sit in front of the TV. Take them for a walk or go to the park or a local playground. Inside the house you can play games such as "Simon Says" or "Follow the Leader" or you can toss, bounce, or roll a soft ball.
  • Try a new activity: plant a garden, look for a new or interesting class offered by your local parks and recreation department, community center, or gym; or vow to get off the bus or subway a block or two earlier each day or every other day in May with hopes that it becomes a habit.
  • Plan a group or family adventure: Ever tried orienteering? Many local parks have permanent courses established. You can move through the course at your own pace or you can form teams and make it a friendly race.
    
    

  Print Resources from the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports

  • The Nolan Ryan Fitness Guide provides basic information on starting a physical activity routine.
  • Kids in Action offers examples of activities you can do with your infant and toddler.
    
    
• Visit our links page for additional information and resources.

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