Each year, the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition encourages all Americans to #MoveInMay. Why? Because it’s National Physical Fitness and Sports Month and what better time to focus on being active and becoming a healthier you!
What’s your favorite activity or sport? Mine is racquetball. Old school, right? Well it’s a fun and exciting way to be active. I started at age 6, and I plan to play until I’m at least 86. Is there an activity you’d like to try or gym shoes you’d like to dust off? Go for it and share your move with us on Twitter @FitnessGov using #MoveInMay!
Remember, you don’t have to be an elite athlete to be fit. It doesn’t matter where you are on your journey or how you ended up here. You can make healthier choices starting today, so what are you waiting for? Get up, get out and #MoveInMay! If you still need a little extra motivation, we have several programs to help you get moving today and every day:
- Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA+):
The Council’s Presidential Active Lifestyle Award, also called PALA+, is a free, eight-week program that can help jumpstart your journey to a healthy lifestyle. PALA+ promotes individualized physical activity and healthy eating goals based on the latest recommendations from the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Millions of Americans have completed PALA+, but for the first time ever, the President’s Council has joined forces with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help you track your healthy eating and physical activities using the SuperTracker online tool. Participants who complete the program goals can receive the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award.
- Presidential Champions:
If you are looking for a program to make regular physical activity part of your daily life for the long-term, the Presidential Champions program is for you! Presidential Champions is for anyone who is consistently active, or who is looking to take the next step in their journey after completing PALA+. By logging your activities using SuperTracker, you will earn points toward the bronze, silver, gold, and eventually the platinum award!
- I Can Do It, You Can Do It!:
The I Can Do It, You Can Do It! (ICDI) program facilitates opportunities for all Americans, regardless of ability, to lead a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and good nutrition. This program is for children and adults with disabilities, and includes resources to keep participants engaged in leading a healthy lifestyle. It also offers recognition for program completion through PALA+.
Throughout National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, the President’s Council will also highlight other health and fitness- related observances celebrated in May. We want to make sure you have plenty of opportunities to #MoveInMay and every day! So be on the lookout for information on National Physical Education & Sport Week 
(May 1-7); National Bike to School Day (May 10); National Women’s Health Week (May 14-20); the anniversary of the Council’s I Can Do It, You Can Do It program (May 21); and Senior Health & Fitness Day (May 31).
We are also looking to partners to help us promote our #MoveInMay campaign via social media. Check out our #MoveInMay Playbook which includes tips, sample social media messages, motivational content, and more. Be sure to use #MoveInMay and visit www.fitness.gov for exciting updates.
We can’t wait to see you #MoveInMay and every day!
This blog originally appeared on the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition blog.