This year Canadians can join virtual fitness events throughout the day to mark National Health and Fitness Day (NHFD) on Saturday, June 6.
Physical activity not only helps us stay fit but it also helps reduce anxiety and builds our immune system which helps us cope during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a media release from NHFD project coordinator Sue Holloway.
The objective is to inspire Canadians to become fitter and more active, which will result in reduced health care costs attributed to preventable diseases related to inactivity, according to the release.
“With devices these days, kids sitting inside watching screens, all the sedentary behaviour associated with video games, we’ve been getting progressively less active and that has led to an epidemic of obesity,” stated Olympic champion skier Nancy Greene, one of the voices behind NHFD. “There is no silver bullet to fixing obesity, but we do know that regular exercise has a multitude of benefits. That’s why campaigns like this are so important.”
Canadians are encouraged to get up, get out, and get active on June 6, while also maintaining social distancing. In collaboration with partners, there will be a day full of virtual workouts, workshops and ways to be active.
“In past years we’ve held events all over the country, and obviously we couldn’t do that this year, so we’ve taken everything online,” stated NHFD chair Pierre Lafontaine. “Whether it’s Zumba or a boot camp or a yoga class, now everybody will be participating remotely.”
Canadians are challenged to post a photo or video on social media showing how they are getting out and getting active and share with #NHFD2020 #GetActiveCanada. Links to the events can be found at nhfdcan.ca.
Ways to be active in Powell River are endless. What do you plan to do to celebrate National Health and Fitness Day?
