MONTGOMERY — The Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness reminds all Alabamians that May is Fitness Month.

On a national level, May has been observed as National Physical Fitness & Sports Month since 1982. In Alabama, there are many programs and events focusing on health and fitness. Employee Health & Fitness Day was celebrated May 1 and an awareness walk was held in downtown Montgomery during which more than 500 walkers concerned with improving their health and fitnesswalked or jogged about a mile around the Capitol complex.

The day was an effort to help employees and employers realize that people can be conscious of their fitness and health while at work, simply by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, taking a walk during lunch and implementing other healthy habits.

The Alabama Sports Festival will hold the annual Olympic-style State Games for Alabama athletes of all ages and abilities June 19-21 in Birmingham. More than 20 sports will be offered, some of which will be qualifiers for regional or national event.

The Alabama Sports Festival, now in its 27th year, is a non-profit organization that started at the request of the United States Olympic Committee and is part of a nationwide network of state games programs.

The ASF teaches the importance of academics and good citizenship through statewide Olympic-style athletic competition. Check webpage www.alagames.com for more information.

The Masters Games for people 50 and over are conducting regional competitions now through August.

Contact the Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness office for your local contact person.

Throughout the state, there are many excellent fitness gyms, fitness organizations, and parks and trails for walking, jogging, running and other cardiovascular workouts.

This May, the Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness and the Alabama Sports Festival encourage all Alabamians to start or continue a fitness regimen.

Many figures and surveys suggest that Alabama has one of the highest percentages of obese citizens in the United States. Fitness Month is a great opportunity to start turning that around.

Please remember that individuals who have medical or health problems should consult their physician prior to beginning any fitness routine.

For more information, contact the Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness at 334-242-4496.