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President John F. Kennedy said at the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame banquet, “We have become more and more not a nation of athletes but a nation of spectators. What we need is a nation of participants in the vigorous life.”
With May designated National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, the time to get moving and start enjoying that “vigorous life” is now.
The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports designated the month as National Physical Fitness and Sports month in 1983 as a means of inspiring Americans to incorporate more physical activity into their daily lives.
“Americans of all ages need physical activity as a part of their daily routines. Adults need at least 30 minutes of vigorous activity five days a week and children should be enjoying at least 60 minutes of daily active play.” said Melissa Johnson, executive director of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
Within the KMC, the theme is the same, as various organizations step up their operations tempo, increase unit physical training and encourage individual participation in physical activities.
“Simply moving the body more aids in increasing physical fitness and decreases the risk of numerous health problems,” said Maj. Lisa Tauai, Health Promotion Flight commander.
“Make fitness a habit. Break it up into shorter sessions throughout your day if you need to. You don’t have to train for a marathon to achieve fitness,” said Lt. Col. Chu Soh, 435th Medical Operations Squadron doctor of physical therapy. “Do a variety of activities that incorporate full-body movements which target all the components of fitness to include endurance, speed, strength, power, flexibility, agility, coordination and balance. Most of all, stay within your limits and use proper form to prevent injuries which could hamper your fitness goals,” said the board-certified sports specialist.
Minor adjustments in our daily routines could help us reap the health benefits of physical activity.
Some recommendations from the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports are walking or biking instead of driving, taking stairs instead of elevators, pushing a lawn mower instead of riding one or simply getting up from your desk and moving around when possible.
In the KMC, there are also several options and opportunities for military and family members to take advantage of in their endeavor to become “participants in the vigorous life.”
The 435th Services Squadron fitness centers provide more than 25 hard core and other core-centric group exercise sessions.
As always, the Ramstein Health and Wellness Center also offers several classes and programs to assist members with fitness endeavors, Major Tauai said.
