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by Ben Hackney-Williams on Monday, 2 May 2022
Following the success of last year’s event, members of US Congress are taking part in the 2022 Congressional Physical Activity Challenge, hosted in partnership by Myzone and the Physical Activity Alliance.
Coinciding with National Physical Fitness and Sports Month in May, the competition is open to all members of Congress and their DC Congressional staff.
Each participant will use an MZ-Switch heart rate monitor during the challenge, with winners awarded based on individual achievement, office achievement and most office staff participants able to reach the World Health Organization guidelines for physical activity.
Positive change at the heart of the community.
“The MZ-Switch has proven to be an incredibly effective tool in giving more people the motivation to move more often,” explains Mike Leveque, Myzone CEO for the Americas.
“After the incredible efforts put into last year’s challenge, the Myzone team is honored that the Switch is once again being used as the wearable for this challenge in partnership with the PAA.
“When we’re looking to make positive behavior change within the community, across the country and around the world, we have to lead by example. It’s so good to see Congress leading from the front in policy-making and ensuring physical activity is a top priority in the years to come.”
Senator Richard Burr lays down the challenge.
The Congressional challenge will take place from May 2nd to May 31st. Each participant will earn MEPs (Myzone Effort Points) while wearing the MZ-Switch for physical activity.
The World Health Organization's guidelines for physical activity are at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week.
Alternatively, individuals should undertake an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous intensity activity throughout the week. This equates to 1300 MEPs per month.
“Today, America faces unprecedented challenges and uncertainty, at home and abroad,” states Senator Richard Burr, winner of the 2021 Congressional Physical Activity Challenge.
“In times like these, we need strong leadership, we need commitment, we need everyone to do their part. That’s why I’m announcing that I’m running for Congress’ Physical Activity Challenge.
“Each year, Congressional offices compete against each other in the physical activity challenge that proves their staff will literally go the extra mile. I’m proud to say Team Burr has been ranked among the top teams for the last few years. Every other office will have to bring their A-game to beat us this year.”
Making physical activity more accessible for all.
Hosting the challenge in partnership with Myzone, the mission of the Physical Activity Alliance is to lead efforts to create, support, and advocate policy and system changes that enable all Americans to enjoy physically active lives.
“We envision an active and healthy nation where the opportunity for physical activity is easily available in the daily lives of all Americans,” explains PAA President, Graham Melstrand.
“Better access to opportunities for physical activity will not only keep citizens happy and healthy in the short term, but it will save lives, reduce the likelihood of co-morbidities and alleviate much of the strain on health care services for years to come.”
Participants in the Congressional Physical Activity Challenge will be competing in the following categories:
- Top Individual Point Earner
- Top Office Point Earner
- Top Office Point Average (must have four or more participants)
- Most office staff participants to reach the World Health Organization Guidelines for Physical Activity (=1300 Myzone Effort Points).
About the Physical Activity Alliance
Based in Washington, DC, the non-profit Physical Activity Alliance is the nation’s largest and most inclusive community of physical activity advocates, researchers, academics, and practitioners.
Guided by the National Physical Activity Plan, its mission is to create, support, and advocate for policy and system changes that enable all Americans to enjoy physically active lives.
Together, we envision an active and healthy nation where the opportunity for physical activity is easily available in the daily lives of Americans.
To learn more about the Physical Activity Alliance visit paamovewithus.org
.