A physical fitness program is one way to keep yourself healthy and fit. During the early 1960s, the National Fitness Council, a nonprofit organization, developed a curriculum for schools that was widely distributed free of charge. The Council also published 40,000 copies of the curriculum for sale. The goal was to achieve widespread participation in the program. The first year, a core group of almost half a million schoolchildren participated in six US states. In the end, nearly half of those students passed a physical fitness test.
When planning a physical fitness program, it is important to have specific goals that will measure your progress. These goals should be time-bound and specific, such as increasing the number of push-ups you can do in one minute. A physical fitness program that is based on measurable goals will help you set a clear schedule and develop a strong sense of urgency.
Your goals should be challenging but not impossible to reach. This is important because research has shown that challenging goals lead to better results. Moreover, setting unattainable goals can lead to frustration and injury, which are bad things for any exercise program. Setting realistic goals requires self-assessment, and you should review your goals on a regular basis.
The goal of a nation-wide physical fitness program is to improve physical activity, especially among children. There are many ways to accomplish this. One way is to develop school-based physical fitness programs. In Mississippi, for example, schools have begun to integrate five-minute movement breaks into classrooms and have implemented fitness assessments.
Another goal of a nation-wide physical fitness program is to improve the overall health of the country. It focuses mainly on children and youth to promote physical activity. It also encourages people to get regular health examinations and engage in physical activities daily.
Physical fitness programs should include strength training and flexibility exercises. These types of exercises help maintain muscle range of motion and help prevent injury. They can include yoga and individual muscle-stretch movements. Some of the more common types of exercises to include aerobic and strength training, flexibility, and stability.
Regardless of the type of exercise you choose, it should be safe and fun. Choose exercises that are easy and low-impact so that you avoid excessive strain and overexertion. Using varied types of exercises can also help you avoid repetitive strain. Besides improving your flexibility, stretching exercises can also improve range of motion in joints. They can also help you relax and relieve stress.
The physical fitness program is voluntary, but there are certain requirements and limitations. Only permanent, full-time employees and those on time-limited appointments can participate. This program is not open to family members of employees, contractors, individuals contracting directly with USGS, or the general public. In order to participate in the program, employees must sign an Annual Waiver and an Informed Consent Statement.
USGS may also share fitness facilities with other federal agencies on a reimbursable basis through Interagency Agreements. The USGS acquisition office awards these agreements.
Physical activity guidelines are important tools for promoting physical activity. However, many people do not get enough exercise to reach recommended levels. In the United States, about 80 percent of adults and youth do not meet the recommended amount of physical activity and even less to meet the guidelines for youth.
The guidelines recommend that adults take part in at least sixty minutes of physical activity each day. This can be achieved by a combination of aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. Adults should also limit their sedentary time and recreational screen time. Exercise that involves all major muscle groups is best, since it provides additional health benefits.