A movement is underway in our country to combat childhood obesity. This movement is being led by First Lady Michelle Obama, who told the Associated Press, “fighting the epidemic of childhood obesity has to be a family effort and it doesn't take money." The First Lady suggested that families take long walks after dinner or dance in the living room. "This isn't about physical prowess," she said. "It's about movement. And we have to go from sitting to standing to walking to moving."
The First Lady, along with several celebrities, joined together on May 9, 2011 with military families and the fitness industry in a program entitled, “Joining Forces.” It is part of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. This latest effort supports military families as well as a part of Mrs. Obama’s exercise initiative entitled “Let’s Move!” Families of deployed reservists and The National Guard will get free gym memberships, courtesy of the International Health and Racquet Association (IHRSA). Supporting programs so they can find the time and opportunity to workout will also be provided. Those programs include: childcare, children’s programming, group exercise, or aerobics classes.
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is also donating one million hours of personal training and fitness instruction to the military initiative. ACE chief executive officer Scott Goudeseune issued a statement saying, "The American Council on Exercise has always, and will always, proudly support our servicemen and women and their families. We are forever indebted to them for the sacrifices they make for our country. We are honored to have the opportunity to give back. Through our involvement with the Joining Forces initiative and participation from our extensive network of ACE fitness professionals and others in the industry, we are thrilled to show our gratitude to these military families and rally support on their behalf."
By making exercise both a national and family affair, the First Lady and the Vice President’s wife, Jill Biden, are hoping that neighbors, colleagues, and classmates come together to support military families and thank them for the sacrifices they endure. The First Lady said, "I'm so pleased that our fitness clubs and trainers have stepped up to both encourage and enable healthy lifestyles for these very special members of our communities to ensure a strong and healthy nation."
Members of The President’s Council on Fitness were also there to kick-off this initiative. They included gymnast Dominique Dawes, figure skater Michelle Kwan, and NBA stars Grant Hill and Chris Paul.
Joanne Sgro is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training. Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com. She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her fiancé, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.