Governor announces Pure Michigan Fitness Series

Governor Rick Snyder and the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports recently announced the Pure Michigan FITness Series, a series of events across the state promoting physical activity. The event series, announced in conjunction with the kickoff event for the Governor's Pure Michigan FIT initiative, aims to promote and encourage healthy physical activity in communities throughout Michigan. Pure Michigan FIT is a nutrition and fitness initiative that will provide tools and resources for Michigan families to incorporate healthy eating habits and physical activity into their lifestyles. "The Pure Michigan Fitness Series is a one of a kind program helping promote physical activity in many forms, including runs, walks, bike races and many other types of activity," said Snyder. "To build a stronger Michigan, balancing sound, healthful food habits with regular physical activity is vital." With more than 30 percent of its citizens categorized as obese, Michigan has the one of the highest rates of obesity in the United States. Carrying extra weight isn't the only problem for individuals. Obesity can contribute to heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other health issues. The Governor's Council works to promote healthy lifestyle choices to Michiganders of all ages. "For 20 years, the Governor's Council has worked to make healthy choices easier for Michigan residents," said Marilyn Lieber, president and CEO of the Governor's Council and the Michigan Fitness Foundation. "Partnering with Pure Michigan FIT is an ideal way to increase awareness of physical activity opportunities across the state and encourage healthier lifestyles." The Pure Michigan FITness Series is the new name for the Governor's Council Endorsed Event program. The Governor's Council endorses local, regional, and state events that are consistent with the Council's mission to Get Michigan Moving. More than 400 events are currently endorsed, reaching nearly 400,000 participants. The Pure Michigan FITness Series will have new features to help promote the health benefits of regular physical activity and healthy eating. The connection with Pure Michigan FIT will help events and organizations from throughout Michigan tie into healthy living habits in a new and unique way. The Pure Michigan FITness Series is part of a larger overall strategy building on Governor Snyder's 2011 special message encouraging Michiganders to take a stand against obesity and help build a stronger, healthier Michigan. The Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and the Michigan Fitness Foundation envision a physically educated population with the knowledge and skills to enjoy a healthy, vigorous and safe lifestyle in communities designed to support physical activity. For additional information, visit www.michiganfitness.org. For additional information on the Pure Michigan FIT program, visit www.michigan.gov/puremichiganfit. Published: Thu, Jun 21, 2012