Month of May Great for Committing to Active Lifestyle
Vermont Business Magazine Governor Philip B Scott declared May 2022 Physical Fitness and Sports Month in Vermont, encouraging Vermonters to be active this spring. The proclamation was requested by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, a physical activity promotion and advocacy group comprised of volunteers appointed by the Governor and representing a broad spectrum of Vermonters.
The proclamation aligns with the national designation of May as Physical Fitness and Sports Month, an effort by the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition to raise awareness about the benefits of physical activity. The Vermont Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports encourages families to be active outdoors with Vermont Parks Prescriptions, older Vermonters to participate in fitness and sports through Vermont Senior Games, and working Vermonters to walk and run with co-workers at the annual Corporate Cup Challenge and State Agency Race on May 19 in Montpelier (and virtually through July 31).
In Vermont, 59% of adults do not meet the state health department's physical activity guidelines, which recommend aiming for 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Moderate activity includes walking fast, bicycling, dancing, hiking, paddling and swimming. Children and adolescents should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, including walking to school, playing in a yard or playground, climbing trees, riding bikes and participating in sports. In Vermont, 23% of adolescents in grades 9-12 do not meet these guidelines.
COVID-19 has highlighted Vermont's abundance of outdoor recreational resources and the opportunities to connect with family and friends while engaging in physical activity, said Council chairperson, Janet Franz.
“Vermonters have a perfect setting to get outdoors and exercise, and May is a great time to start,” said Franz. “We can get outdoors for a hike, jog or bike and enjoy our beautiful environment. Doing this regularly helps us feel better, physically and mentally. Being active boosts immunity and reduces risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, stiff backs, sore knees, depression, low energy and a host of other ailments, reducing the need for medicine and medical care. Exercise is medicine.”
5.17.2022. Montpelier — Governor