This weekend at the 25th Anniversary Gala dinner of the American Council on Exercise in San Diego I had the privilege of sitting next to Shellie Pfohl, the Executive Director of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition.
You remember the President’s Physical Fitness Awards, established by President John F. Kennedy. We all did these performance-based tests in physical education class – sit-ups, pull ups, 600 yd walk run, etc.

In 2010 to promote life participation in physical activity the Presidents’ Council has instituted the PALA (physical activity lifestyle awards) based on participation in physical activity rather than performance…and anyone can participate.

Here’s what you need to do to participate and earn your award:

Adults (that’s anyone over 18 years old): You need to be active 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, for 6 out of 8 weeks. As an alternative, you can count your daily activity steps using a pedometer (goal: 8,500).

Kids and teens (that’s anyone between 6 and 17 years): You need to be active 60 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, for 6 out of 8 weeks. As an alternative, you can count your daily activity steps using a pedometer (girls’ goal: 11,000; boys’ goal: 13,000).

To sign up and begin logging your activity go to:
http://www.presidentschallenge.org/celebrate/active-lifestyle.shtml

You can sign up individually or as a group. What a great way to get your family, friends and coworkers exercising together and supporting healthy lifestyles.
Out goal is to have one million people participate and receive awards in the first year of the program.

I’m inviting my staff and my family to participate. How about you – who are you going to get involved? Hey – pass it on…