SIA Joins PHIT America

 

“We at PHIT America applaud the commitment being made by SnowSports Industries America to support our ongoing efforts to educate Americans about the power of activity, the importance of daily P.E. in our schools, and the need for Congress to pass pro-physical activity legislation,” says PHIT America Founder Jim Baugh. “Winter sports activities are an integral part of an active lifestyle.”
 

“SIA believes in the mission of PHIT America and appreciates its efforts to raise the awareness of an active lifestyle,” says SIA President David Ingemie. “Just as companies in the sports and fitness industry are supportive of PHIT America, SIA highly encourages its membership to support PHIT America as well. As the number of ‘inactive’ Americans continues to rise, that’s not good for the quality of life in the U.S. It’s also not good for business in the snow sports industry. ‘Active’ Americans are more likely to be engaged in winter sports.”
 

Earlier this month, Ingemie attended the 15th Annual National Health Through Fitness Day lobby day in Washington, D.C. – organized by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association and sponsored by PHIT America.
 

“SnowSports Industries America is glad to join in with the other 140 organizations currently involved in PHIT America to help turn around the ‘inactivity pandemic’ we face in the U.S.,” states Ingemie. “Last year, snow sports participants burned more than 411 billion calories. A 10 percent increase in the number of participants involved would raise the number of calories burned to more than 452 billion calories, enough to offset consumption of more than 1.3 billion servings of French fries.”
 

“The SIA’s sponsorship of PHIT America is a big endorsement from the snow sports sector,” notes Baugh. “After watching the Winter Olympics, it’s obvious that athletic activities which take place on the snow and ice are fun, competitive and are great exercise. They are an important part of a year-round exercise program.”

 

Founded in January 2013, PHIT America is a non-profit educational, social media, and advocacy campaign focused on overcoming the inactivity pandemic and obesity crisis in America by creating a “Movement for a Fit & Healthy America.” More than 140 companies, along with sports ambassadors and celebrities, are helping PHIT America to get more Americans more active, fit and healthy.

 
A few of the major PHIT America initiatives include passing key legislation. The Personal Health Investment Today Act (PHIT) will allow Americans to use pre-tax medical accounts for physical activity expenses. The Physical Education Program (PEP) is a 14-year program supporting increased activity in local physical education programs throughout America. Both the PHIT Act and PEP Program will help mitigate rising healthcare costs by encouraging Americans to develop more active, healthy lifestyles.

 
PHIT America also just launched the Mayors Fitness Challenge, a new, fun 10-week campaign in local cities around the U.S. designed to encourage active lifestyles through group exercise sessions, educational programs and community engagement.