Since 1983, each President has proclaimed May as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month to promote the importance of physical activity, physical fitness, and sports participation. Like his predecessors, President Biden issued a Presidential proclamation celebrating this annual event, observing that “Fitness and sports are not only good for our physical health, they also improve the quality of our lives overall.” During National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, we all can shine a spotlight on the importance of being physically active in maintaining our nation’s health and wellness.
There are many ways to be physically active. All kinds of active pastimes can help improve our physical and mental well-being, making physical activity one of the best ways to stay or get healthy.
Some benefits can be achieved immediately – like improved blood pressure and reduced anxiety – while other benefits are the result of making physical activity a regular part of your routine.
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month provides the perfect opportunity to help your community get active. Here are a variety of ways the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) encourages you to spread the word:
- Use the sample social media messages and graphic below and include the hashtag for the month: #MoveInMay.
- Share ODPHP’s physical activity resources.
- Check back here regularly during May where we’ll have new blog posts throughout the month with useful information you can use to promote being active for your family, friends, and community members.
- Follow us on Twitter – @HealthGov – and share with us how you and your family #MoveInMay!
- Sign up for email updates to receive notification when new physical activity information and resources are released.
However you choose to celebrate being active during National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, we hope that first and foremost you have fun! An active you is a happier, healthier you – so go #MoveInMay and beyond!
SAMPLE SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGES
Twitter:
- #MoveInMay and celebrate National Physical Fitness & Sports Month! Try different ways to get active, like biking, Tai Chi, or ultimate frisbee. [biking emoji] Find other ways you can #MoveYourWay: https://go.usa.gov/xH2Qk
- Adults need at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity each week. You can break that up and #MoveYourWay! Not sure where to start? Check out this activity planner to find activities you can plan to do throughout this National Physical Fitness & Sports Month: https://go.usa.gov/xH2Qk
- #DYK? Getting active can help you manage anxiety or depression and lots of things count as #PhysicalActivity. Celebrate National Physical Fitness & Sports Month by finding ways to #MoveYourWay! Learn how you can get started by checking out: https://go.usa.gov/xH2Qk
- It’s National Physical Fitness & Sports Month! Physical activity has big benefits. It can help #teens reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression. Encourage teens in your life to #GetActive and #MoveInMay by sharing these videos: https://bit.ly/3xJRlJv
- #DYK? Physical activity is safe and healthy during pregnancy. Help celebrate National Physical Fitness & Sports Month by encouraging new parents and parents-to-be to get active! Share this resource to get started: https://go.usa.gov/xu8Bf
- How are you getting active this National Physical Fitness & Sports Month? Use #MoveInMay and #MoveYourWay to share how you like to move! Check out this resource on why #PhysicalActivity is important: https://go.usa.gov/xH2Q6
- Parents: Sports can help youth improve fitness and develop social skills. Celebrate National Physical Fitness & Sports Month by encouraging your kids to find their own way to play [basketball emoji] [golfer emoji]. Learn more about the benefits of #YouthSports: https://go.usa.gov/xu8BF #MoveInMay
- According to @CDC, 1 out of 4 adults in America are physically inactive. Help promote physical activity this National Physical Fitness & Sports Month. Share these #MoveYourWay resources to encourage people in your community to get active: https://go.usa.gov/xu8ZG #MoveInMay
- People who do little or no physical activity are more likely to get very sick from #COVID19 than those who are physically active. Being physically active is important to being healthy. https://go.usa.gov/xu8BX #MoveInMay
Facebook:
- Parents: Being active can improve kids’ sleep and reduce symptoms of anxiety. Celebrate National Physical Fitness & Sports Month by encouraging your kids to #MoveInMay and learn more about the benefits of physical activity: https://go.usa.gov/xA6h5 #MoveYourWay
- Physical activity can help older adults maintain independence and carry out everyday tasks. #MoveInMay and #MoveYourWay because all sorts of activities count! Chat on the phone while walking or try doing yoga. Learn more about the benefits of #PhysicalActivity: https://go.usa.gov/xH2Ub
- We want to see how you #GetActive this National Physical Fitness & Sports Month! Use #MoveInMay and #MoveYourWay to share how you like to move. Check out this resource on why #PhysicalActivity is important: https://go.usa.gov/xH2Q6
- Kids and teens need at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Celebrate National Physical Fitness & Sports Month and #MoveInMay by getting active with them! Take a walk together after dinner, play a game of catch at the park, or find a family dance routine online. Learn more about #PhysicalActivity: https://go.usa.gov/xu8Kv
- Sports can help kids build confidence and grow into healthy, active adults. Find ways you can support #YouthSports during this National Physical Fitness & Sports Month by checking out the National Youth Sports Strategy: https://go.usa.gov/xH2QA #MoveInMay
- Now is an important time to encourage your community to #GetActive. According to @CDC, people who do little or no physical activity are more likely to get very sick from #COVID19 than those who are physically active. Encourage people in your community to find a way they like to move. Share our resources: https://go.usa.gov/xu8ZG #MoveYourWay
- Celebrate National Physical Fitness & Sports Month by encouraging people in your community to find a way they like to #MoveInMay. Get started by sharing our #MoveYourWay resources: https://go.usa.gov/xu8ZG
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month Graphic:
