CHPS Physical Activity Challenge: Spring Into Shape

During the months of May and June, Air Force Civilian Health Promotion Services (CHPS) is encouraging the workforce to improve their overall health by increasing physical activity with the launch of the “Spring Into Shape” program.

When you think of exercise, what comes to mind? Unfortunately, most adults do not have positive thoughts on exercise. We know physical activity is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, yet many still fall short on the daily recommendations. Common barriers heard by those in the health field include, “I don’t have time;” “I don’t feel motivated;” or “I don’t enjoy exercise”.

For many, exercise is viewed as a chore, like washing dishes or doing laundry, and this mindset does not increase the likelihood of sticking to a consistent routine.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that less than one-quarter of Americans are meeting the minimum amount of exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

How do we change this? By changing our attitude towards exercise!

Exercise, by definition, is planned, structured, and repetitive, but what if we shifted to the idea of, “Exercise is moving our body?” The goal of the CHPS “Spring Into Shape” challenge is not only to increase physical activity, but to encourage participants to change their mindset towards exercise. It’s an opportunity to shift focus from what we feel obligated to do, to what we enjoy doing.

Now when asked the question, “What comes to mind when you think of exercise?” instead of feeling guilty and defeated, what if you could be flooded with positive thoughts like:

• “I love my intermural basketball league; I forgot how much I enjoyed playing sports.”
• “My walk on my lunch break is my favorite time to gather my thoughts and reflect.”
• “I met new friends in my group exercise class; they motivate me to keep going.”
• “My spouse and I decided to sign up for salsa class.”
• “I enjoy seeing how excited the kids get about our evening walks with the dogs.”
• “My co-worker and I started an office step challenge.”

This positive mindset can not only impact your health journey, but also the journey of those around you.

Let your new mindset spread to family, friends, and co-workers so together we change the statistics on exercise. Remember to look for little opportunities to move more throughout the day and watch as this adds up. Join CHPS for the “Spring Into Shape” challenge, and attend the “Get Up and Get Moving” health education class for more tips on how to add variety and fun to your workout routine.

To participate in the “Spring Into Shape” Physical Activity Challenge:

1. Visit USAFwellness.com to enroll from April 17-28, 2023.
2. Print your “Spring Into Shape” confirmation email and complete an in-person initial check-in with CHPS between April 17-28 to receive the Water Bottle enrollment award.
3. Perform and log at least 750 minutes (12.50 hours) of physical activity from May 1 - Jun 11 on the USAFwellness.com Activity Log.
4. Attend the Spring Into Shape class with CHPS titled, “Get Up and Get Moving” from May 1 - Jun 09. In-person and virtual sessions are available.
5. Attend an in-person check-out event with CHPS from June 20 - June 30 to receive a Gym Towel completion award.

For more information on healthy lifestyles and physical activity programs, visit USAFwellness.com or visit your local CHPS office.
 

Works Cited

https://www.uwhealth.org/news/resetting-your-fitness-mindset

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1424733/#:~:text=Exercise%20is%20a%20subset%20of,health%2D%20or%20skill%2Drelated

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db443.htm