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Exercise Regularly, Join the President’s Fitness Challenge

By: Joanne | March 11, 2008 | Category: Health

Today I’m going to sign up for the President’s Fitness Challenge, a six week fitness program encouraging Americans to be active 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. The Challenge starts March 20 and is designed to help you live healthier and get fit by adding physical activity to your day.

Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, build strong bones and reduces the risk of many serious diseases, like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and depression. It is particularly important as two thirds of Americans are obese or overweight, and half of us aren’t as physically active as we should be.

I have never been a regular exerciser, and let’s say that I’ve celebrated the anniversary of my 29th birthday a few times, but just last year I began exercising regularly. A medical provider recommended it to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety that were giving me problems. I’m not eager to begin the phase of life where my day begins with a series of prescription medicine bottles, so I gave it a shot. It took a little time to really feel the benefits, but it totally worked! Now I ride my bike 5-7 miles a day and I stick with it because I feel noticeably better on days when I exercise.

Everyone can participate - kids, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities. Regular activity is good for you, no matter what your current size. Join the program on your own or with a friend to track your activities, see your progress and challenge yourself to become healthier.