Michigan Moves Month

About

Michigan Fitness Foundation and the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports with stakeholders from across Michigan have come together to create and provide quality, accessible, and sustainable programs and services that enhance physical and mental health and well-being throughout the state of Michigan.

Observed during the month of May, “Michigan Moves Month” is designed to celebrate, promote, and encourage every Michigander to move more. Being physically active and developing physical literacy skills supports the healthy development of the whole person and is foundational to leading a healthy and fulfilling life. Being physically active helps to increase energy, elevate mood, dissipate stress, and prolong life.

“The month-long event is meant to inspire individuals to engage in health-enhancing physical activities using a broad range of movement skills,” shares Michigan Fitness Foundation President and CEO Amy Ghannam. “Moving more provides benefits to our overall health at any stage of the life course.”

A unified effort to share advocacy among physical activity stakeholder groups, “Michigan Moves Month” also seeks to influence and engage with Michiganders in a variety of societal settings. Together, stakeholders strive to work collaboratively to create and provide quality, accessible, sustainable programs and services that can enhance physical and mental health and well-being throughout the state of Michigan.

Stakeholders

News

The resolution to recognize the month of May as Michigan Moves Month was submitted by Michigan Fitness Foundation on behalf of the Michigan Moves Month stakeholders. It was presented as House Resolution 97 by sponsor State Representative Julie M. Rogers (D) District 41, Kalamazoo. The resolution was brought to vote and was passed unanimously by the Michigan House of Representatives.

After the House Resolution 97 passed the House, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the proclamation to support “Michigan Moves Month” in the month of May to increase awareness about the benefits of physical activity during the month of May.

May 2024: Michigan Moves Month

May 01, 2024

WHEREAS, physical activity plays a critically important role in overall health; and,

WHEREAS, physical activity is a cost-effective, fun, safe, and evidence-based public health intervention to address chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, as well as mental illness and substance use disorders; and,

WHEREAS, recent research suggests being active for as little as 15 minutes every day can reduce depression by 26%. Additional research shows a 20% reduction in developing anxiety by maintaining higher levels of physical activity; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan is dedicated to improving the quality of life of all residents and visitors through movement to inspire and facilitate a culture of active living; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan provides over 100 public beaches, 103 state parks, and recreation areas, 19.3 million acres of forest, and thousands of miles of trails as places where people can be physically active; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan Moves Coalition, Michigan Fitness Foundation, Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports, Michigan Society of Health and Physical Educators, Michigan Fitness Association, state agencies, private and nonprofit organizations, and other related groups can serve to enlighten and ignite awareness for physical activity opportunities in worksites, schools, businesses, fitness facilities, and communities throughout the state; and,

WHEREAS, an effort to improve the health and well-being of all Michiganders, Michigan Moves Month in its third year, will promote diverse forms of human movement for persons of every ability to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle and participate in regular physical activity throughout their life;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 2024, as Michigan Moves Month to celebrate the physical and mental health benefits of physical activity.

 

External link to proclamation: michigan.gov/whitmer/news/proclamations/2024/05/01/may-2024-michigan-moves-month