Yesterday, I received the program guide and registration form for ACSM's 14th Annual Health & Fitness Summit & Exposition to take place next April in Austin, Texas. The program cover presents a written challenge "Leave Your Fitness Footprint!". The inside cover inquires "What is your fitness footprint?". It expands upon this question by asking "Are you learning as much as you can and applying all the latest research... [in your life?]". They offer a further challenge to "expand... [and take it to the next level]".

These statements are directed toward the fitness professional in an attempt to motivate them to learn more in order to benefit their clients. However, these same challenges can be (and should be) presented to the general population. So I ask you "What has been your fitness footprint for the year 2009?" Did you start an exercise program? Did you expand upon an old routine? Did you challenge yourself by participating in a competition? Did you help others in need by running in a charity race? Did exercise help you to meet your weight loss goals, lower your blood pressure, or improve your cholesterol and blood sugar levels?

Now I ask you how are you going to "expand...[and take it to the next level]" as you step into the year 2010? Perhaps you can engage in exercise more consistently. Or, maybe you can add weight training to your routine a few days a week. Better yet, you can enlist a currently inactive friend or family member to join you so that they can make their own fitness footprint in 2010.

Learn as much as you can about improving your health and fitness and apply that knowledge to your daily life. Doing so will allow you to leave a "fitness footprint" that reveals you are taking the proper "steps" on a path toward better health and well-being.

Note: Before beginning an exercise program or increasing the intensity level of a current routine, a physician's approval should be obtained, especially for older adults and those at risk for or who currently have chronic health conditions.

Resource:

ACSM's Advance Program - Leave Your Fitness Footprint! ACSM's 14th Health & Fitness Summit & Exposition April 7-10, 2010 Austin, Texas