Title: Revitalizing Movement: Responding to Kennedy’s Appeal for a Healthier Nation
In 1960, an op-ed featured in Sports Illustrated by then-President-elect John F. Kennedy delivered a significant caution: “We are under-exercised as a nation; we look instead of play; we ride instead of walk.” Through these remarks, Kennedy identified what he perceived as an escalating danger to America’s vitality—not solely about physical health, but concerning national strength, unity, and resilience.
Over six decades later, Kennedy’s caution resonates more profoundly than ever. Despite significant advancements in medicine, technology, and public health understanding, one of the most straightforward and effective pathways to improved health continues to be underused: regular physical movement.
The Physical Fitness Crisis Today
In 2025, the state of physical health in the United States is alarming. Data from the CDC reveals that merely one in four adults adheres to the minimum recommended guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises. The obesity rate has surged past 42%, with nearly 30% more Americans categorized as overweight. Disturbingly, one in five children is now deemed obese. Sedentary living has become the standard, with the average American spending over nine hours daily in a seated position—whether during commutes, at their desks, or while engaged with screens.
Physical inactivity stealthily contributes to a myriad of chronic illnesses: heart disease, diabetes, stroke, hypertension, and various cancers. This national stagnation not only affects adults; it also shapes future generations and contributes to escalating rates of childhood type 2 diabetes, anxiety, and depression.
Nevertheless, in clinical environments and health education, the concept of movement as medicine remains predominantly overlooked.
Exercise in Medicine: A Missing Pillar
Medical education in the United States mirrors the broader societal disregard for physical activity. As highlighted by a recent medical graduate in a thoughtful commentary, the curriculum dedicates significant attention to biochemistry, pharmacology, and surgical procedures. However, prescribing exercise—arguably one of the most powerful tools for preventing and managing chronic diseases—barely receives emphasis.
Healthcare professionals often group lifestyle suggestions like exercise, nutrition, sleep, and stress management into ambiguous, sweeping recommendations, frequently oversimplified or entirely overlooked during brief patient appointments. Consequently, doctors—despite their good intentions—often find themselves ill-equipped to offer specific, actionable advice that could foster lasting behavioral modifications.
This represents a colossal missed chance. Consistent physical activity not only aids in weight management—it bolsters cognition, fortifies the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, enhances immune functionality, lowers cancer risks, promotes mental well-being, and extends life expectancy.
Simply put, it is a form of medicine.
Reviving Movement in Public Health
Tackling this crisis requires a comprehensive strategy, starting with an overhaul of medical education. Training healthcare providers to recognize and prescribe physical activity must take precedence. Physicians should receive hands-on training in exercise physiology, behavioral change tactics, and the role of movement in preventing and managing disease—akin to their education in pharmacology and clinical procedures.
Transforming clinical culture is merely one battleground.
Equally vital is the influence of schools and early childhood education. In the past few decades, the decline of physical education in schools has been subtle yet catastrophic. In the pursuit of academic achievements and test performance, gym time has been reduced, undervalued, or entirely eliminated. Some educational districts have entirely cut recess, depriving children of opportunities to engage in free, joyful movement.
This alteration has lasting effects. Children develop habits of sitting before they learn to run; they link knowledge acquisition with stillness instead of activity. Lacking a strong foundation in movement literacy—understanding how to move purposefully, joyfully, and safely throughout life—whole generations grow up without the skills or drive to maintain an active lifestyle.
Creating a Proactive Health Culture
Reestablishing a movement-focused culture necessitates initiatives across policy, education, healthcare, and workplaces. Here are several approaches to facilitate this transition:
1. Integrate Exercise in Medical Practice
Healthcare systems must acknowledge physical activity as a clinical imperative. This includes incorporating exercise prescriptions, educating primary care physicians on exercise counseling, and collaborating with allied health specialists like physical therapists, kinesiologists, and health coaches.
2. Reinvest in School-Based Physical Education
Federal and state educational policies must prioritize physical education within schools. Movement should be envisioned beyond competitive sports, encompassing yoga, dance, outdoor adventures, and fitness skill development that promotes lifelong activity.
3. Build Environments That Support Activity
Urban planning, transportation frameworks, and neighborhood designs should guarantee communities have access to sidewalks, bike paths, parks, and secure spaces for recreation. These modifications not only encourage activity—they also boost community health and lessen pollution.
4. Make Workplaces Part of the Solution
As many Americans spend their days in desk-bound roles, employers can combat sedentary behavior by providing walking meetings, adjustable workstations, and incentives for engaging in physical activity during