Get Moving for Health during "National Physical Fitness and Sports Month"

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  • By Staff Reports
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  USAFE Health Promotion teams up with the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports to Get Active and Fit in May.

Various Air Force organizations within Europe will join the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports to challenge Americans to get moving for health and to get active and fit during National Physical Fitness and Sports Month in May.

May Incirlik fitness activities:

Outdoor Zumbathon, May 1, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Fitness Center (Point Of Contact: 676-6068).

Running Shoe Clinic, May 19, 12 - 1 p.m. at the BX, 39th ABW Exercise Physiologist, (POC: Health and Wellness Center 676-4292).

New Balance 5K and 10K, May 22, 8 a.m. at Arkadas Park, Co-sponsored by
AAFES & DeCA, New Balance shoe prizes and raffle, (POC: Fitness Center 676-6086).

Biggest Loser Wellness Expert Panel, May 28, 3 p.m. at the Equal Oppurtunity Classroom, Building 3850, (POC: HAWC 676-4292)

Late Night Dodgeball, May 28, 9 p.m. at the Fitness Center (POC: 676-6086).

Arm Wrestling Competition, end of May (date to be determined), 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the Consolidated Club, Weigh-ins 1 - 2 p.m., open to all authorized club users, (POC: Fitness Center 676-6086).

Mr. Seth Jenny, 39th ABW Exercise Physiologist, reiterates the importance of regular exercise: "Exercise improves your mood, helps combat chronic diseases, helps you manage your weight, boosts your energy levels, promotes better sleep and is a great social outlet."

It is recommended that Americans of all ages incorporate more movement in their daily lives.

"Adults need at least 30 minutes of activity five days each week," said Melissa Johnson, executive director of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, which started National Physical Activity and Sports Month in 1983. "This can be done by choosing to bike or walk instead of driving, taking stairs instead of elevators, or pushing a lawnmower instead of riding one. Children need at least 60 minutes of active play daily. They need to run, climb, jump, and just get up and move around, away from their desks, the television and computer games."

Twenty minutes of vigorous physical activity three times a week, such as sports, aerobics, working out in the gym and running, has added health benefits. "But, it's important to understand that you don't need to sweat in a gym or run a marathon to reap the health benefits of daily physical activity," Johnson said. "Even 30 minutes a day, broken up into shorter increments of 10 to 15 minutes, can greatly improve your health."

For more information about National Physical Fitness and Sports Month events in your area, contact your local Air Force Health and Wellness Center. For information about the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, visit www.fitness.gov. To start a physical activity and fitness program, visit www.presidentschallenge.org and sign up to take the President's Challenge.

Compiled by Mr. Brian Kirby for USAFE Health Promotion.