It’s May, and that means National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. It was started by the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition back in 1983 and is a way to advocate for Americans to live healthier lifestyles all year long. How can you use May to encourage your family to be more active? Or keep your active girls on track this summer once they’re out of school? Here are some ideas you can participate in this month. 

Attend a Community Fitness Event

Check around your community for activities to promote National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. If there aren’t any dedicated events, try other community activities that fit the month’s theme. Take a yoga class in the park, join a jogging club, go for a group hike, or visit the community pool. 

Participate in National Bike to School Day

May is also National Bike Month, and there are several bike-related events. Bike and Roll to School Day is on May 4^th, 2022. But that’s not the only day you can encourage your kids to ride their bikes to school. It’s an excellent way to teach them about bicycle safety, including using a helmet and how to ride in the streets safely. 

Fun fact: ^{There’s also a listing for National Bike to School Day on May 20th}. Why not bike both days or the entire month of May? 

Design a Family Olympics

Fun and physical activities at home can also be a great way to celebrate National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Why not design a family Olympics in your yard or expand to the entire neighborhood? Plan fun and accessible sports like jump roping or hula hooping. Do a 50-meter dash, but instead of 50 meters, just to the end of the driveway or length of the yard. Make and award medals for the competition. 

Try a New Sport Together

This is a great month to start a new tradition. Just in time for summer, try something new as a family. We recommend choosing from a category known as life sports. These are activities that you can do throughout your lifetime. Life sports include: 

• Running
• Swimming 
• Golf 
• Tennis

Additional Resources for National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

If you’re looking for more resources on National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, check out the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services details. There’s also some great information at Action for Healthy Kids. For even more resources about the month, contact Ladybug for Girls, and we can help point you in the right direction.