Capitol Hill Gets Fit as Myzone Congressional Activity Challenge Returns
The annual challenge coincides with the Health & Fitness Association’s upcoming trip to D.C. to advocate for the passage of the PHIT Act
The fourth annual Congressional Physical Activity Challenge, organized by the Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) and Myzone, a fitness technology company and social platform known for its heart-rate tracking tech, is underway.
The challenge, which runs throughout May, encourages Congress members and their staff to help promote health and well-being while putting themselves to the test.
The Congressional Physical Activity Challenge comes during a crucial time. Not only is it National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, but the CDC reports that heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension are on the rise, as is a mental health epidemic.
In addition to the challenge, the Health & Fitness Association (formerly known as IHRSA) is working with Congress members to encourage support for the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act, which, if passed, would allow Americans to use pre-tax dollars on gym memberships and fitness equipment.
“Investing in personal health is investing in national prosperity,” said Liz Clark, Health & Fitness Association president and CEO. “The bipartisan support for the PHIT Act underscores its significance in tackling our nation’s health challenges. Let’s empower Americans to prioritize their well-being through affordable access to physical activity options. Together, let’s move toward a healthier future.”
The Health & Fitness Association is hosting its annual Fly-In and Advocacy Summit May 7-8 in Washington, D.C., where it will disclose important economic impact data that shows the contributions of the health and fitness industry to the nation’s economy. The event will also empower attendees to educate lawmakers on the benefits of physical activity and connect with members of Congress.
Challenge participants can record their physical activity with Myzone’s MZ-Switch heart rate monitor, which rewards Myzone Effort Points (MEPs) for each minute of exercise and aligns with the World Health Organization’s activity guidelines. Participants can also use their Apple or Android smartwatch to record MEPs thanks to the launch of MZ-Open.
Winners will be judged on individual effort, office effort and most office staff participants.
“We are excited to support the 2024 Congressional Physical Activity Challenge and encourage the Capitol Hill community to adopt one of the most important lifestyle behaviors for mental and physical health,” said Mike Leveque, Myzone CEO for the Americas. “With the ability to record every minute of exercise using MZ-Switch or Apple and Android devices, this is a golden opportunity for our policymakers to lead by example and personally feel the benefits of exercise to inspire nationwide activity.”
Last year’s winning team, ‘Team Lummis,’ was led by Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and has been training to win again.
“These competitions are always a fun bipartisan way to promote physical fitness while competing office vs office, Senate vs House and pencil pushers vs couch potatoes, whether they are Democrats or Republicans,” Lummis said.
