National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

 

Most adults with disabilities are able to participate in physical activity, yet nearly half of them get no aerobic physical activity. Learn how everybody can make lifestyle changes and include physical activity in their everyday life.  May is National Fitness and Sports Month. CDC recommends finding and creating opportunities to add more physical activity into your daily routine and encourage family and friends to do the same. All adults, with and without disabilities, need at least 2½ hours a week of aerobic physical activity at a moderate-intensity level to increase heart and lung function; to improve daily living activities and independence; to decrease chances of developing chronic diseases; and to improve mental health. Learn how Jonathan, a man with an intellectual disability, finds time to be physically active and encourages others to do the same. Jonathan's story Before Jonathan Doring, 34, goes to bed every night, he logs his physical activities for the day. He tracks his time at the gym, his time on the tennis court, even his time vacuuming or raking. Jonathan makes sure that he finds time in his busy schedule each day to focus on his fitness. Fitness wasn't always a priority for Jonathan, who has Fragile X syndrome. Jonathan's family says he used to stay in his room as a child, but then began competing in sports at age 5, which changed his life. He joined Special Olympics as an athlete when he was 8 years old and he now competes and trains year-round. All adults, with and without disabilities, need at least 2½ hours a week of aerobic physical activity at a moderate-intensity level. Jonathan has also joined the President's Challenge, and the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award program. The Presidential Active Lifestyle Challenge helps participants add physical activity to their lives and improve eating habits. This Challenge is for anyone, from students to seniors, but it's geared toward people who want to set themselves on the road to a healthier life through positive changes to their physical activity and eating behaviors. Jonathan encouraged his father, Mark, to join him and they haven't stopped since. "As Jonathan's strength has increased, so has his self-confidence," says Kathy, Jonathan's mom. "He has joined a local men's tennis league and is competing in USTA [United States Tennis Association] adult tournaments. So, in addition to his regular Special Olympics activities he is playing tennis three days a week and weight training another three. My husband drives him to these events and rather than just spectate he walks or exercises along with his son." Jonathan is a health ambassador because of both the way he lives his life and his role as a spokesperson for Special Olympics. As a spokesperson, he has shared healthy messages with nearly 1,000 Exceptional Student Education students in schools across Florida, his home state, at Fortune 100 company conferences, and even with the Florida Governor. CDC would like to thank Jonathan, the Doring family and Special Olympics for sharing this personal story. 5 helpful tips for people with disabilities If you or somebody in your family has a disability and wants to add more routine physical activity, here are some helpful tips: Visit your doctor. Talk to your doctor about how much and what kind of physical activity is right for you. Discuss your barriers to physical activity. Ask your doctor to put you in contact with resources and programs to help you begin or maintain your physical activity. Find opportunities to add more physical activity into your everyday life. Decide how much physical activity is right for you and your fitness level. Remember, all adults, whether or not they have a disability, should try to get at least 2½ hours a week of moderate-intensity physical activity. If this is not possible, adults with disabilities should avoid being inactive; some activity is better than none! Be active your way. Decide what kind of physical activity you enjoy. General gardening, doing active chores around the house, wheeling yourself in your wheelchair, walking briskly, dancing, playing wheelchair basketball, tennis or soccer are all examples of physical activity that you can add into your everyday life. Start slowly. Start slowly based on your abilities and fitness level. For example, be active for at least 10 minutes at a time, and then slowly increase activity over several weeks if necessary. Have fun with your family. It's easier to stay active when you have the support of your family and friends. Invite your loved ones to have fun with you. For example, together you can play outside with a ball, dance, or walk or wheel around the neighborhood. What CDC and our National Programs are doing CDC supports and provides funding for four National Public Health Practice and Resource Centers that focus on improving the quality of life for people living with disabilities, including physical activity: CDC also supports 18 state-based programs to promote equity in health, prevent chronic disease, and increase the quality of life for people with disabilities. Learn more about the State's disability and health programs.