I’ll admit it. It’s hard to stick to a New Year’s resolution of getting into shape. At this point in the new year, some of us have given up, some of us are dropping off our new workout commitments.
But you’re not alone, because we’re all in it together with FitPHX.
In 2012, the Phoenix metro area ranked 26 out of 50 for the healthiest major U.S. cities, according to the American Fitness Index (AFI), a major survey that ranks the overall health and fitness of U.S. metro areas. But we aren’t satisfied, and we’re ready to show the rest of the country that in Arizona, we care about eating right, being healthy and looking great.
The city of Phoenix launched FitPHX as a way to make healthy changes in our lives, and the best part: it’s free and makes fitness easy. The city-wide campaign connects you with more than 350 current city health programs tackling the biggest health problems we face here: asthma, heart disease, obesity, nutrition education, and getting more of us to walk, bike and ride the bus or light rail to work. Simple things like playing basketball at a city recreation center, taking a hike up Piestewa Peak or going for a walk at a nearby park are great ways to get fit.
Our Phoenix “Dream Team” — Councilman Daniel Valenzuela, Phoenix’s own Olympic Gold Medalist Misty Hyman and I kicked off FitPHX this month. Kids, adults and seniors joined us on the track of Phoenix College for a friendly competition, proving that anyone and everyone can get active and stay fit. As a firefighter, Valenzuela knows a thing or two about staying in shape. Hyman is an Olympic champion. And me? A few years ago you may have remembered me as a larger guy. I lost 50 pounds in 2009 by changing my eating habits and working out, running and playing basketball at the YMCA.
For 2013, I want to make sure Phoenix moves up on the American Fitness Index, and most importantly, for all of us to get moving in 2013. As this program develops, there will be more ways for you to connect with city fitness programs through community events and partnerships, and on social media.
Look for updates on phoenix.gov. You’ll find great city programs that’ll help you get fit and tips on how to stay motivated. With so many resources in a city this big, it’s time to get FitPHX!
• Greg Stanton was elected mayor of Phoenix in 2011.
