May 5, 2007

9:19 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all for coming. This is Physical Fitness¹ Month, and I'm with members of the President's Physical Fitness Council². 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 five 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, do discipline and exercise.

Thank you all for coming.

END 9:20 A.M. EDT