Congressional Physical Activity Challenge and Fly-In Celebrates Advocacy Success
Posted: July 10, 2024 in Suppliers
MYZONE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The fourth annual bipartisan Congressional Physical Activity Challenge, where the fitness industry encouraged Members of Congress to promote the benefits of being physically active by taking part in an effort driven challenge has been heralded as a resounding success. Last year’s winning team, led by Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), triumphed over their rivals again this year, securing top numbers in two categories.
Held throughout May, and supported by wearable tech brand Myzone, this year’s challenge coincided with the Health and Fitness Association’s inaugural Fly-In and Advocate Summit.
The 2024 Congressional Physical Activity Challenge, organized by the Physical Activity Alliance – the nation’s largest coalition dedicated to improving health and well-being through physical activity, saw participants using Myzone’s MZ-Switch heart rate monitor or their personal Apple or Android smartwatches to track their activity via Myzone’s new MZ-Open function to earn Myzone Effort Points (MEPs) for every minute of exercise.
Mike Leveque, CEO for the Americas at Myzone, expressed his pride in supporting the PAA initiative: “We are thrilled to have supported the PAA’s Congressional Physical Activity Challenge again this year. This event underscores the importance of incorporating physical activity into daily life. By engaging our nation’s legislators in this challenge, we can make a compelling case for the critical role physical activity plays in maintaining both physical and mental health, helping to inspire all of us to lead healthier, more active lives.”
Last year’s winning team, led by Senator Cynthia Lummis, topped the leaderboard again this year, securing both the highest total MEPs (194,844) and the highest average MEPs (10,255).
“My office is filled with fierce competitors, and I am proud of the commitment they show each year to this challenge,” says Lummis. “This was my first year joining the team, and I really enjoyed getting outside and the added incentive to get more exercise. Not only is this a month to focus on improving our health, but the teamwork and camaraderie that takes place during this challenge provides a wonderful bonding experience for our entire office.”
Running alongside The Congressional Challenge, the Health & Fitness Association’s Fly-In and Advocacy Summit at Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, saw industry leaders joined Rep. William Timmons and congressional staff for a Myzone-sponsored workout.
Twice the size of the 2023 event, the Fly-in saw 120 industry leaders hold 130 meetings with members of Congress or their departments to build support for the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act. If passed, the PHIT Act will make physical activity more affordable allowing Americans to spend their pre-tax dollars on healthy living activities like gym memberships and fitness equipment.
Liz Clark, CEO, Health and Fitness Association, adds: “Physical inactivity remains a serious public health issue, contributing to rising rates of chronic conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension and various cancers. Additionally, the nation faces a mental health crisis, with suicide rates hitting a record high in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“The Health and Fitness Association is working tirelessly to encourage more people to build activity into their daily lives. Initiatives such as the Congressional Physical Activity Challenge and the Fly-In and Advocacy Summit are extremely important as they put us and our industry partners directly in touch with lawmakers to advocate for the many benefits associated with an active nation.
“We will continue to bang the drum for physical activity and build support for the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) that would make participating in sport and physical activity more affordable to millions.”
Challenge Results
Highest Average MEPs:
- 1. Cynthia M. Lummis – 10,255 MEPs;
- 2. Mike Johnson (R-LA) – 10,188 MEPs;
- 3. Becca Balint (D-VT) – 7,655 MEPs.
Highest Total MEPs:
- 1. Cynthia M. Lummis – 194,844 MEPs;
- 2. Oversight Committee – 154,049 MEPs;
- 3. Mike Braun (R-IN) – 116,150 MEPs.
Staff Achieving WHO Target:
- 1. Oversight Committee – 21 staff members;
- 2. Mike Braun – 20 staff members;
- 3. Cynthia M. Lummis – 19 staff members.
Top Individual Participants:
- 1. Theresa Young – 39,595 MEPs;
- 2. Marcus Brubaker – 25,425 MEPs;
- 3. Mark Marin – 21,733 MEPs.
