Governor Schwarzenegger Challenges Californians to Commit to Healthy Living for Health and Fitness Month in Weekly Radio Address

For Immediate Release:
Friday, April 30, 2010

Contact: Aaron McLear
Kira Heinrichs
916-445-4571

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger:

Hello, this is Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger with another California Report.

Today is the start of Health and Fitness Month and because of that, this week California students did something amazing.

They set a new standard for fitness, and made our state the clear leader in promoting physical fitness in the United States.

Let me tell you, this makes me very proud.

I am passionate about fitness because a healthy body equals a healthy mind.

It has been proven over and over that exercise and good nutrition improve focus and self-esteem, and that makes our kids, of course, more successful in school.

That’s why in 2006, I created the Governor’s Fitness Challenge.

That year, 10,000 students stepped up and vowed to work out three times a week for at least one month.

Now, obesity and inactivity are costing Californians their health and even their happiness.

For the first time, children may have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. This is disastrous. And it is all because of obesity and a lack of exercise. That has to change.

So in February, I decided to expand my fitness challenge for our children in a big way.

This year, we have 1.3 million participants. That dwarfs all other efforts in our nation may I remind you.

California was already a model with our laws banning junk food, sodas and transfats in schools.

Now, we are proving that we can get California’s students pumped up and moving, in record numbers.

We need to thank a lot of people, because one person alone cannot do all of that.

We want to thank for instance, our Chairman of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness Jake Steinfeld, our school superintendents, our school principals, our teachers, volunteers and parents.

And of course, our sponsors in the private sector. They have come forward in a big way.

Health and Fitness Month is not just about kids. It’s for everybody. We should all get involved. That’s the bottom line.

I have pledged to lose 10 pounds. And on top of that, I’m going to cut out the stogies for one month.

That’s right, I’m not going to smoke one single cigar this month. Now of course you say, “Arnold, you’re already in such great shape. How are you going to get in better shape?”

Well, you’re right. I’m in good shape. But we all can get in better shape. And I’m going to be in better shape by the end of the month.

Now it is your turn to make a commitment. What will you do to get healthier and fitter?

Make your pledge, California. And tell me about it.

Tell me about it on my Facebook page, or use the hashtag "Fit Challenge" on Twitter to see what other people are pledging.

I will update you on my progress, and you update me on your progress.

Just remember, it takes a full commitment together, and it takes also that first step in order to get this done. So let’s do it.

Thank you for watching, and thank you for listening.