May Declared “Moving America Month” in Celebration of National Physical Activity Plan Launch

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Encourages Health and Fitness Professionals to Actively Support Physical Activity Plan

Calabasas, Calif. (May 3, 2010)— The National Academy of Sports Medicine® (NASM®), a global leader in personal trainer certification, sports performance training, and corrective exercise training, joined Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius in supporting the National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP), a sweeping initiative designed to improve public health.

The historic NPAP officially launches today in an effort to motivate people in every community to become and stay physically active, and to remove the barriers that may stand in their way. Supported by a wide range of public policy recommendations, the Plan is the product of a 10-month, public/private collaboration of experts and industry leaders, including NANPAP General OverviewSM, in diverse fields. In celebration of the NPAP launch, NASM has also declared May as “Moving America Month.”

“Considering that Americans now sit more and move less than any other point in history, this plan could not have come at a better time,” said Dr. Micheal Clark, NASM CEO. “The launch of the plan is just the beginning. In the near future we’ll begin to see a coalition of many prominent organizations band together in support of the plan to combat the health risks associated with sedentary lifestyles.” 

Using the Federal Government’s Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (2008) as its foundation, the NPAP focuses on eight key sectors for promoting physical activity. These sectors are: public health agencies; education institutions; volunteer and nonprofit organizations; transportation, urban design and community planning agencies; mass media outlets; healthcare programs; business and industry worksites; and parks, recreation, fitness and sports programs. The implementation, measurement and analysis efforts of the NPAP will be coordinated by the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity (NCPPA, www.ncppa.org). NASM has joined forces with the YMCA and the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) to serve as co-chairs of the Parks, Recreation, Fitness and Sports sector of the NCPPA. 

“Important progress has been made in establishing physical activity as a public health priority in the United States, but there is still more we can do,” said Alan Russell, NASM Director of Education and Government Affairs. “Americans young and old can be excited that a structured, multi-disciplinary plan is in place to improve physical activity, improve health, and improve communities.”

During “Moving America Month” NASM will offer special pricing on its industry leading Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification and the innovative NASM Solution to Weight Management course.  Together these two courses will empower Health and Fitness Professionals to teach their clients how to move better and eat better.  Furthermore, in conjunction with its strategic partner, the Health and Fitness Provider Network (HFPN, www.hfpn.com), NASM will also offer the continuing education course “Understanding Hypertension and Heart Disease” (NASM 1.0 CEU) at no charge during the month of May.  A large percentage of gym-goers suffer from silent diseases such as hypertension and heart disease, health challenges that often become barriers to exercise.

To learn more about the NPAP and the special educational opportunities from NASM in celebration of “Moving America Month,” visit: www.nasm.org/MovingAmerica.

A general overview of the plan is also available.   

About NASM®
Since 1987, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), a global leader in personal training certification and sports performance training, has been providing evidence-based certifications and advanced credentials for Health and Fitness Professionals.  To learn more, visit www.nasm.org or call 1.800.460.NASM (6276). 

About NPAP
The current prevalence of and costs related to chronic disease make it dramatically evident that the time has come for the US to adopt a National Plan for Physical Activity (NPAP) as many other nations have already done. The NPAP is a comprehensive plan for promoting physical activity in the American population and provides the framework to support a broad and comprehensive national effort to increase physical activity throughout the population. To learn more, visit: http://www.physicalactivityplan.org/

About NCPPA
The National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity (NCPPA) is the leading force in the country promoting physical activity and fitness initiatives. NCPPA is a diverse blend of associations, health organizations, and private corporations, advocating for policies that encourage Americans of all ages to become more physically active. To learn more, visit: www.ncppa.org.