May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month! What better time to get up and go?

No matter what section of the country you live in, the month of May is likely to be beautiful. Fresh new beginnings are everywhere: growing flowers, budding trees, baby animals and birds. It's a great time to get outside, move, and have fun. Here's another reason to get moving: Every May for the past 26 years, Americans have observed National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.

Billy the Marlin, mascot of the Florida Marlins baseball team, poses with Mrs. Rhinesmith's 3rd grade class.

In his proclamation of the event, President Barack Obama stated, "As the weather warms and invites us outside, I encourage Americans to consider the many simple ways to add physical fitness activities to our lives. Incorporating these habits can put a smile on your face, and it can also improve your long-term health and well-being."

Being active is important for good health. Studies have shown that physical activity can also make people happier and help them learn better. Who wouldn't want to be healthy, happy, and wise?

It's All About Fun Kids ages 6 to 17 should get at least one hour of physical activity every day. For example, you might take a walk with your dog in the morning (10 minutes), then give it your all in phys ed class (30 minutes), followed by a game of basketball with your friends after school (20 minutes)..

Whatever you decide to do, it should be fun for you. That's the best way to make sure exercise becomes a lifelong healthy habit. "Our kids are getting hooked on moving instead of sitting in front of a television or computer," says C. J. Cain, a physical education teacher at Panther Run Elementary School in Lake Worth, Fla. "Students who exercise regularly as children are likely to do so as adults."

The students at Panther Run know all about having fun while being active. Coach Cain planned a week's worth of celebrations for the school community to kick off National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. "We opened up all the personal fitness activities we've covered during the year," Cain told Weekly Reader. Students, parents, teachers, and members of the local community—including the Florida Marlins mascot!—came to phys ed classes during the first week in May to jump rope, walk, play Frisbee, and more. "The children were smiling ear to ear, having their families get physically active with them," Cain said.

A student trains with Olympic gold medal-winning boxer Howard Davis Jr.

Panther Run fourth grader Alexandria D. gave the event a thumbs up. "I met the Marlins Mascot. He was trying out the sports, playing around with all the equipment Coach Cain had out." Alexandria got active too. "We've been getting a lot of exercise!" she told Weekly Reader. Alexandria's favorite ways to get active are using Hula Hoops and balance balls, riding her bike, and playing kickball and baseball.

Yes You Can What if you're not active or athletic? Don't worry. There are a lot of activities out there for you. Walking is a great activity for everybody no matter how fit they are. It's great exercise, and all you need are a pair of sneakers and a safe place to walk. Still think you can't do it? Cain says he has this conversation with his students every day. "Yes, you can do it," he tells them. "You're not competing against anybody. Your health is yours alone."

What are you waiting for? Get up and go!

Helpful links:

• The President's Challenge: Be Active Your Way (Get involved in a nationwide program to get active!)
• Current Health's Get Up and Go (Take the quiz to find out your ideal activities!)
• Simple directions for playing Four-Square

Critical Thinking: What advice would you give to a friend who isn't interested in physical fitness?