[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 19 (Monday, May 14, 2007)]
[Page 587]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on Physical Fitness Month in Beltsville, Maryland

May 5, 2007

    Thank you all for coming. This is Physical Fitness Month, and I'm 
with members of the President's Physical Fitness Council. Their job is 
to encourage all Americans, young and old, to exercise.
    I love exercise. Today I'm going to ride, with a group of friends, 
on a mountain bike. But the message to all Americans is to find time in 
your schedule to walk, run, swim, bike, to take care of yourselves.
    I appreciate Mike Leavitt, who is the Secretary of Health and Human 
Services, for joining us today. He knows what I know, that if someone 
takes care of their body through good exercise, that it is--it's the 
beginning of really good health policy for the United States.
    It doesn't take much time to stay fit--30 minutes, 5 days a week; 30 
minutes of walking, 30 minutes of running, 30 minutes of biking, 30 
minutes of swimming on a regular basis will help deal with a lot of 
health issues here in America. I have found that exercise not only is a 
good excuse to get outdoors; it helps relieve stress as well. And so, on 
behalf of the President's Council on Physical Fitness, I say to America, 
get outside, take time out of your life, schedule yourself, be 
disciplined, and exercise.
    Thank you all for coming.

Note: The President spoke at 9:19 a.m. at the U.S. Secret Service 
Training Facility.