Each year for the last several years, Assemblymember Tom Torlakson has asked that May be declared "Fitness Month" in California to emphasize and promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Fitness activities have been shown to sharpen mental ability in all people and to retard the aging process. Maximizing one’s energy level, increasing muscle mass, and reducing body fat increases one’s chances of living a longer, healthier life.
Nearly all American youth from 12 to 21 years of age are not vigorously active on a regular basis. More than 60 percent of American adults do not get the recommended amount of physical activity. One third of Americans are obese, and 56% of adult Californians are either obese of overweight. Nationwide, the percentage of overweight and obese children has doubled in the past twenty years, and Type II diabetes has tripled in the past five years alone.
Exercise and fitness activities can increase self-esteem, boost energy, strengthen the heart and muscles, burn calories, and improve cholesterol levels. Such activities are also excellent ways to relieve stress, lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes, prevent bone loss, and decrease the risk of some cancers. There is no age limit for physical activity. Among the elderly, exercise provides cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular, metabolic, and mental health benefits.
The Wellness Task Force encourages all Californians to enrich their lives through a healthy diet and regular exercise. We also encourage state leaders to hold education and activity forums in the month of May to encourage health and wellness in their districts.
View ACR 8 [PDF], a resolution declaring May as California Fitness Month.
To celebrate California Fitness Month, the Wellness Task Force hosts a series of events in May:
- Reception honoring a Fitness Hero. In 2009, California's Fitness Hero was Dean Karnazes, the Ultramarathon Man (also a Task Force member.)
- May Fitness Tips
- Step Into Fitness Faire at State Capitol [Note: As of April 2010, the Fitness Faire has been replaced by the Fit Crawl.]
- Fit Crawl 2010
