DPTSI is supporting the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition in honor of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. During the month of May, we challenge all adults to get 30 minutes of physical activity every day.

Did you know that regular physical activity increases your chances of living a longer, healthier life? It also reduces your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, and some types of cancer. Yet in Texas nearly 49% of adults don’t get the recommended amount of physical activity.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults:

Aim for 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Moderate activity 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 is for everyone. 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!

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, “less than 5% of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day, and only one in three adults receive the recommended amount of physical activity each week.” Why are these numbers so low, when there is ample evidence that regular exercise can be of immense benefit?

That’s what National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is all about: raising awareness and motivating more people to get out and get moving, no matter their age. Put on by the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition, National Physical Fitness takes place every May. This year’s motto is #MoveInMay.

In the spirit of what this program is all about, here are three ways to get involved.

1. Get People Moving

If you’ve become desensitized to hearing“go exercise,” get creative! Volunteer for fitness classes at the community center. Lead your family in a yoga session. Start a recurring pick-up soccer with a group from work. What’s better than sports and group activities that make exercise fun?

2. Try Something New

The first step is often the most difficult to take, especially when trying something new. If jogging and weightlifting have lost their shimmer, seek out something more engaging. Start walking or cycling to work. Try boxing or muay thai. Tai chi. Yoga. You could even dance Tango. Exploring new ways to exercise is nearly always worth the price of admission.

3. Spread the Word

Okay, admit it: you didn’t know National Physical Fitness and Sports Month was in May until you read this blog. Maybe you didn’t know it existed at all. More reason, then, to spread the word and raise awareness. Let your social and professional networks know. Take a look at the other Programs and Awards put on by the President’s Council. Get your physical therapy clinic involved. You can even add info to your monthly newsletter.

Whatever you do, just make sure to #MoveInMay. The payoff will be a happier and healthier you.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit our website, www.dptsi.org