Let’s get moving in May!
First off, for all you pop culture/Internet meme lovers, it’s that time of year…
May means we’re on the eve of summertime, knee-deep in springtime, and it’s National Physical Education and Sport Week!
This observation is of course more relevant for students, whether or not physical education and sports are a part of their curriculum. But even for those of us who are no longer in school, PE and Sport week should be a good reminder and impetus to #MoveInMay.
Because any type of exercise – from high intensity to low impact – is going to be good for our health.
The national childhood obesity rate among 2- to 19-year-olds is 18.5% – so it’s important to introduce physical actives early and consistently.
For any educators or student leaders who have school-aged children in their care, below are some good resources to foster some physical education and activities.
Shape America – or the Society of Health and Physical Educators, is the nation’s largest membership organization of health and physical education professionals – has provided a treasure trove of workout plans, activities, tests, games, and more that can help students become a little more active.
Shape America also has a handy page of success stories and spotlights that inspire all of us to go out and get it done!
And like any good 21st century organization, they have a pretty great social media campaign, #BigFeats, which celebrates PE educators, youth coaches, and anyone who helps young people get active in every way they can.
Furthermore, the department of Health and Human Services sponsors the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA+), a program of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition (PCSFN) which promotes physical activity and good nutrition.
Start the eight-week program to help you maintain or improve your health. It’s a great way to help manage and reach your health goals. Anyone age 6 and older can sign up – just click here.
And for the rest of us who are no longer in school – there are no excuses!
Find a physical activity that suits your needs, level of difficulty, and schedule (find the time!)- and commitment to it. Whether it’s a 30-minute gym session, a yoga class, a morning or evening walk, playing ball with your kid or dog, a few laps at the pool – or anything! – find your activity and stick with it.
For people living with rare diseases, exercise isn’t always simple. You can read about general work out guidelines for various rare diseases below:
Exercise and IPF: What You Can and Can’t Do
AS and Exercise: If You Don’t Use It, You Lose It
Why You Need to Exercise Even When You’re Fatigued
5 Ways to Exercise With Lyme Disease
The Dos and Don’ts of Exercising with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
What Can You Do About High Cortisol Levels?
How to Work Out Like This Paralympic Champion with Transverse Myelitis
So no excuse! It’s May first so let’s get moving!
