The U.S. Government, American Council on Exercise (ACE) and other leading health organizations updated the National Physical Activity Plan: a country-wide plan to build a healthier America. The new plan shifts focus to integrating physical activity into how American’s live, work and play, as opposed to emphasizing “exercise” as a separate venture.

The new plan states, “One day, all Americans will be physically active, and they will live, work and play in environments that encourage and support regular physical activity.”

The purpose excluding the word “exercise” was highly intentional, as public health activists will no longer push for American to view exercise as an isolated event.

Dr. Cedric Bryant, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer of ACE, has proposed ways to integrate the new vision into American lives. Tips include:

  • Get active on the job. Be creative in finding ways to move more while at work. Try walking meetings or taking advantage of workplace wellness. If these opportunities don’t currently exist where you work, talk to your boss about ways to move more during your workday.
  • Get outside. Take advantage of free elements of your environment, such as parks, walking paths and even the local mall. Turn your leisure time into more movement whenever possible.
  • Support school-based movement. Only Oregon and the District of Columbia currently meet national physical education recommendations for elementary and middle school students. If you’re a parent or school-personnel, talk to your local school board or petition for the creation of before- or after-school physical-activity programs.
  • Merge faith and fitness. Faith-based settings typically value volunteerism, community-building and outreach. Use that spirit in your place of worship to create opportunities for physical activity by forming partnerships with like-minded local organizations or businesses.
  • Talk to your doctor. Physical activity plays a huge role in overall health and disease prevention. If you’re one of the millions of Americans who has been told by your doctors that you should lose weight or be more active, ask him or her questions about how exactly you can do that. Perhaps, they can direct you to physical-activity resources in your community or a qualified fitness professional on the US Registry of Exercise Professionals (www.USREPs.org).
  • Embrace sports. Joining a sports team or club won’t only make you fitter, but it can also instill discipline and dedication, improve your mental health and reduce stress—benefits that hold true for children and adults alike. Find something you enjoy and go have fun.
  • Use your body for transportation. Walk, bike, hike or play wherever and whenever it’s possible and safe to do so.

Photo courtesy American Council on Exercise