Sport leaders have a key role in this national initiative. Following the passage of the National Health and Fitness Day Act last year, more than 240 cities and towns across Canada have proclaimed the first Saturday in June as National Health and Fitness Day.
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This day provides an opportunity for communities to mark the day with local events to celebrate and promote the use of indoor and outdoor sport and fitness facilities.
鈥淟et鈥檚 inspire Canadians to become fitter and more active,鈥� said a release from organizers. 鈥淪how you believe that by working together, we can increase the rates of physical activity across the generations and impact on population wellness.
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鈥淚n 2016, National Health and Fitness Day is Saturday, June 4. 听Communicate the date and plan to partner with recreation staff, healthy living specialists, sporting goods stores, private gyms and others and consider some of the following ideas:
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- Ask the mayor to waive admission fees to community recreation centres鈥� or try a two-for-one.听
- Organize and host events in local parks and schools 鈥� a scavenger hunt, nature walk, etc.
- Organize community soccer and baseball games for all ages and abilities.
- Encourage local sports groups and clubs to offer information sessions, or 鈥渢ry it鈥� days.
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Plan community fun fairs and use local parks to host multi-sport events for kids.
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Check Senator Nancy Greene Raine鈥檚 new website to see if your community has proclaimed the day and plan to get involved to make it even more successful.
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Infants (aged less than 1 year):
Should be physically active several times daily through interactive floorbased play
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Toddlers (aged 1-2 years) and preschoolers (aged 3-4 years):
Should accumulate at least 180 minutes of physical activity at any intensity spread throughout the day, including a variety of activities in different environments, activities that development movement skills, and progression toward at least 60 minutes of energetic play by 5 years of age.
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Children 5-7 years and Youth 12-17 years:
Should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity daily at least 3 days per week, and activities that strengthen muscle and bone at least 3 days a week
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Adults 18-64 years:
Should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity per week, in bouts of 10 minutes or more. It鈥檚 also benefi cial to add muscle and bone strengthening activities using major muscle groups at least 2 days per week.
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Older Adults 65 years and older:
To achieve health benefi ts and improve functional abilities, older adults should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity per week, in bouts of 10 minutes or more. It鈥檚 also beneficial to add muscle and bone strengthening activities using major muscle groups at least 2 days per week. Those with poor mobility should perform physical activities to enhance balance and prevent falls.
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