In 2002, the Health Information Resource Center created the nation’s largest annual health promotion event for women: National Women’s Health and Fitness Day. Occurring the last Wednesday of every September, National Women’s Health and Fitness Day is for women of all ages to come together to acknowledge the importance of their own physical wellbeing, with a variety of groups on a nationwide scale hosting classes and events.Â
There are many ways to celebrate and acknowledge this day, whether you want to do it alone or with others. Let’s look at some!Â
One way to acknowledge this day is to, well, do a little fitness yourself! If you exercise regularly, it’s a great day to make sure you’re moving your body. If not, it’s an opportunity to get started. Exercise can be crazy intense, but it doesn’t have to be. Taking a walk or jogging around the block can be a great way to get a little exercise. Daily stretching or yoga is another low-impact way to get your body moving, and if you want some guidance, there are plenty of online programs and videos available for free to help you along.Â
There’s nothing wrong with doing it alone, of course, but part of the point of National Women’s Health and Fitness Day is to encourage women of all ages and groups to get active, so why not get together with some friends to get moving? Walking with a friend or getting a group together to check out fitness programs, classes, and games, is a great way to help yourself and others stay healthy.Â
Don’t forget the other half of the day: it’s not just about your fitness, but your health as well. This is a great chance to schedule that doctor’s appointment you keep forgetting about. If you’re of a particular age, taking the time to schedule a pap smear or a mammogram is most certainly worth your time this Wednesday.Â
No matter how you choose to celebrate and acknowledge this day, it is a great chance to take the time to pay a little extra attention to your health and physical wellbeing.Â