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Great American Workout 5/1/90 [OA 6898]
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Great American Workout 5/1/90 [OA 6898]
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Speech Backup Chronological Files
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MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Backup Files
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Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13717
Folder ID Number:
13717-002
Folder Title:
Great American Workout 5/1/90 [OA 6898]
Stack:
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26
20
5
5
(Smith/Blessey)
April 23, 1990
11 A.M.
FIT
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FITNESS MONTH
SOUTH LAWN
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
Members of the President's Council on Physical Fitness,
honored guests, ladies and gentlemen.
Welcome to the White House, and to an event which kicks off
National Fitness Month -- otherwise known as The Great American
Workout. And it's a special pleasure to have with us the man who
embodies that event -- my friend Conan the Republican // Arnold
Schwarzenegger. //
( (You know, Arnold's even stronger than I thought he was.
Before we came out here, he bench-pressed the Federal budget. //
Which led me to ask one of my grand-kids: If Arnold can bench-
press 300 pounds, how come you can't pick your socks up off the
floor. )) //
((Arnold, I want to thank you for becoming Chairman of the
President's Council on Physical Fitness. And also for your other
offer. // I'm not saying what his role will be -- but Congress
can draw its own conclusions when I warn I might have to twist
some arms to get my legislation passsed. )) //
Democrat or Republican, it doesn't matter: All of us have a
stake in making exercise a part of America's fitness -- and
fitness a part of every American day. No matter what your age -
- regardless of your condition -- the Great American Workout can
2
enhance the quality and longevity of each American's life. //
Just look at these ten workout stations; in a couple
moments, we'll be visiting them. One involves aerobic dancing //
Barbara hopes it'll improve my foxtrot. Others are for great
American pastimes like baseball and horseshoes. Arnold, in
particular, can't wait for the station of the martial arts. 11
And I'd like to pay special tribute to the heroes who inspire us
all: Yes, representatives of the Special Olympics.
These stations show how fitness can enrich the human mind,
and body. As can a balanced and nutritional diet -- and today,
65 million Americans are dieting. // Avoiding alcohol and drugs
-- this, too, can promote fitness. And help America be more
competitive in the classroom, the factory, the ball field, the
court. // Together, these steps can literally build an America
that's Number One academically, economically, athletically,
healthfully. 11
( (Speaking of competition, a while ago a reporter said to
me, "What are you trying to prove by playing so many sports?" I
told him I'm not trying to prove anything. // I just want to be
the first President to get his picture on a Wheaties box. )) //
The fact is, of course: I love to compete. As do the kids
at these workout stations -- kids from six to sixty-five. So
this morning -- I hope this doesn't get me in trouble over
another vegetable -- I think it's time to declare war on couch
potatoes. //
3
Let's build an America where people are strong and more
physically fit -- an America where the fish are a little weaker
and run down when I'm trying to catch one. // An America, most
of all, where we exercise, pump iron, and compete not simply to
enrich ourselves -- but the Nation that will benefit from longer,
healthier, and happier lives.
Thank you to every participant. God bless the United
States. And now, it's my pleasure to officially proclaim
National Fitness Month. To quote a great golfer who often dieted
but bemoaned his lack of exercise, Jackie Gleason: "A little
traveling music." Arnold, let's visit the workout stations of
The Great American Workout.
# # # #
4/27/90
Acknowledgements Great American Workout
Den Quoyle - solf
Vinegon Ben Meisel
Brooks Rabinson
Ernie Banks
Billy Williams
Hpl Smith
{~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
baseball
Al Worthington
Dominique Wilkins
basketball
Pom Shriver
Stan Smith
Arthur Ashe
{~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
tennis
Ron Woods (USTA)
Jone Blolock
Som Snead
W
solf
Arnold S.
Jim Lorimer
{m
weightlifting
Mary Low Retton
Peter Vidmor
Lonce Ringnold
}
symmastics
Ennice Shriver
Spel. Olymics
George Allen
Football
4/23/90
Great American Workout
Pres Conncil oh Physical Fitness
MoH Guidry 272-3424
Arnold Schatenugger
(208)622-9111 (h)
(213) 396 - 5917 (o)
250 spectators
100-150 participants
4 minutes
WHCP introduction
participants. Sect. Sullivan, Chrmm Schwars, MrsB
Notl. Physical Fitness and Sports Month
kick-off r/ Gt. Amer. Workout
people to excercise
athilness
Solionsi
encourage local communitive to have
marsholl, ats
p.e. programs
horse shows
general Aerabics p.e.
footboll
tennis
hg. term
conch
basketball baseball Dominique wilkins
relixres otress
quality of like
reduces high blood weight pressure
NAME
ORGANIZATION
TELEPHONE NO.
DOUG ADAIR W.H. Cabinet Affairs
456-2800
Sane Hodges Bust G.am. Workent
828-7000
Wendy Weber Toler ay.am.Workat
797-4845
Audrey Calhoun Nate Park Service 755-7798
Jay Bylie
WH Crunsel
456-2898
GAIL BRODER Office of the General Counsel 475-0155
Susan K. Zagame "/DHMS
245-6318
JAY ALLISON
WH PRESS OFFICE
456-2100
Jing MCDANIEL
NAT'L PARK SVC/W.N.LIAISON
485-9836
Wilmar D. Maill
Pepes
272-3421
JOE OPERSKALSKI
USSS/PPD
395-76340
Rick Robbins
Sol Intener Dayd
3434338
Gary Matchesor
55/100
355-4420
PEPES
272-3424
STEVE GUBACK
PCPFS
272-3430
Peggy Hazelng white Hower Advance 456-7565
Judd Swift
"
"
"
:
Carb MoBill
Hargrove Inc
459-1400
TERRY MONAY
11
//
Debbie Romash
Stephenie Blussing
BRUCE CAUGHMAN
6H - Visitors Sperchroviting office
456-2322
436-7750
WH MILITARY OFFICE
395-1747
NAME
ORGANIZATION
TELEPHONE NO.
GEORGE MYRO
HARGROVE
459-1400
GARY WALTERS
WHITEHOUSE-RESIDENCE 456-2650
SCENARIO
THE GREAT AMERICAN WORKOUT
MAY 1, 1990
6:15am
Marine Band in place on South Lawn.
6:15am
Gates open. Guests begin to arrive.
6:45am
Chairman Schwarzenegger briefs participants and
begins morning warm-up.
7:00am
Participants proceed to work stations and begin
workout.
7:09am
THE PRESIDENT and MRS. BUSH are announced onto the
South Lawn Platform where he joins The Chairman
and The Secretary of HHS.
THE PRESIDENT makes welcoming remarks.
7:15am
The Chairman and the Secretary of HHS escort THE
PRESIDENT and MRS. BUSH to the various work
stations.
7:25am
THE PRESIDENT and MRS. BUSH conclude their visit
to the work stations with a visit to the tennis
court.
(POOL COVERAGE)
Please Note: At this time, all other participants
proceed to Diplomatic Entrance to pose for group
photo.
7:28am
THE PRESIDENT and MRS. BUSH, accompanied by the
Chairman, depart the Tennis Courts enroute the
platform area.
7:30am
THE PRESIDENT thanks participants.
7:32am
The Chairman thanks THE PRESIDENT and MRS. BUSH
and the participants.
2
(GROUP PHOTO)
7:35am
THE PRESIDENT and MRS. BUSH depart.
The Chairman invites one or two more groups onto
the stage for performances.
During this time, The Chairman and celebrities
will be available to do stand-up interviews on the
South Lawn.
8:00am
Event is concluded.
Stoffed
(Smith/Blessey)
April 24, 1990
4 P. M.
FIT
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: FITNESS MONTH
SOUTH LAWN
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
7:10 A.M.
xard
Secretary Sullivan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Members of the
President's Council on Physical Fitness, honored guests, ladies
and gentlemen.
Welcome to the White House. It's a pleasure to be with all
of you -- especially the man who symbolizes physical fitness, my
friend, Arnold Schwarzenegger. //
( (You know, Arnold's even stronger than I thought he was.
Before we came out here, he bench-pressed the Federal budget. //
Which led me to ask one of my grand-kids: If Arnold can bench-
press 300 pounds, how come you can't pick your socks up off the
floor?) ) 11
( (Arnold, I want to thank you for becoming Chairman XX of the
%
Memo from
06/12/19
President's Council on Physical Fitness Sports And also for your other
offer. 11 I'm not saying what his role will be -- but Congress
can draw its own conclusions when I warn I might have to twist
some arms to get my legislation passsed. )) 11
The
This morning we're here for a special event -- The Great
American Workout -- which kicks off National Physicol Fitness and Sports
Month. 11 And today -- I hope this doesn't get me in trouble
over another vegetable -- today we're declaring war on couch
potatoes. 11
2
All of us have a stake in making exercise a part of
America's fitness -- and fitness a part of every American day.
No matter what your age, sex, or physical condition, The Great
American Workout can enhance the quality and longevity of each
American's life. //
Just look at these ten workout stations; in a couple
moments, we'll be visiting them. One involves aerobic dancing 11
( (Barbara hopes it'll improve my foxtrot. )) Others are for
American pastimes like baseball, basketball, football, and, yes,
horseshoes. Arnold, in particular, can't wait for the martial
Sprie Spoin
3424
arts station. 11 And I'd like to give a special salute to the
772
heroes here representing the disabled and Special Olympics. Your
strength and determination inspire us all. //
The Great American Workout shows how fitness can reduce
heart disease and stroke. Lowering stress, blood pressure, and
Press
cholesterol. Yet surveys show that only 40 percent of American
you 190 adults exercise regularly. And among our kids, fitness hasn't
improved over the last decade -- in fact, it's often declined.
One way to change that is by returning quality physical
education to our schools. Only one State now requires daily
phys. ed. in its schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Let's make it fifty. 11 Also, let's pledge to eat a balanced
and nutritional diet. And avoid excessive alcohol and ofcanse drug use.
// Together, these steps can make America more competitive in
the classroom and factory as well as the playing field. Through
3
fitness, we can build a healthier America that's Number One
academically, economically, and athletically.
11 Speaking of excellence, a while ago a reporter said to me,
"What are you trying to prove by competing in so many sports?" I
told him I'm not trying to prove anything. // I just want to be
the first President to get his picture on a Wheaties box. )) 11
The fact is, of course: I love to compete in athletics. As
do the kids at these workout stations -- kids from six to sixty-
five. Yes, fitness can be an individual activity. Or a family
affair. Either way, it can help create an America that
outperforms any Nation in the world.
Thank you to every participant. God bless the United
States. Spocts And it's my pleasure to officially proclaim National
Physical
cig
Fitness Month. Now, to quote a great golfer who often dieted but
X
seldom exercised, Jackie Gleason: "A little traveling music." //
Arnold, let's visit the workout stations of The Great American
Workout.
#
#
#
#
04 24. 90 09:33 AM *PCPFS
P 0 1
TELECOPIER TRANSHITTAL COVER SHEET
Please deliver the following pages to:
Name:
CURT SMITH
City:
Washington
Telecopier Telephone Number: 456-6218
From:
STEVE GUBACK
Total Number of Pages
7
Including Cover Sheet.
If you do not receive all the pages, please call back as
as possible: (202)272-3421.
Vinesor soon Ben
Meisel
To transmit call area code (202) 504-2064.
York Onner
Brooks Robinson was
Ernie Billy Smith 5t. LOLA Card.
Williams
Hol ->A.D. Smithing Giants Twins
Transmitted by:
Operator:
Date:
Time Sent:
04. 24. 90 09:33 AM *PCPFS
P 0 2
THE PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL ON PHYSICAL FITNESS AND SPORTS
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20001
April 24, 1990
MEMORANDUM TO: Curt Smith
FROM:
Steve Guback
SUBJECT:
Talking Points, Great American Workout
Stephanie Blessey asked me to send you some talking points for President
Bush's remarks at the Great American Workout, May 1, at the South Lawn of the
White House.
* The Great American Workout, being held for the first time,
symbolically kicks off National Physical Fitness and Sports Month nationwide.
* The 1dea is to call attention to the benefits of exercise and
physical fitness for good health and a vigorous quality of life.
* The Great American Workout also will show that exercise can be fun,
and that there are appropriate exercises for everyone - regardless of age,
sex or physical condition. (Some disabled and Special Olympics individuals,
as well as seniors, will be participating in the activities.)
* Despite this, surveys show that only about 40 percent of American
adults claim they exercise regularly, but less than 20 percent exercise at
levels vigorous and frequent enough to produce cardiorespiratory benefits.
* We need to improve on those figures to strengthen the fiber of our
society, to reduce steadily increasing health costs and to provide a better
quality of life for everyone.
* Surveys also have shown that the physical fitness of American school
children has not improved in the last 10 years and in some cases has
deteriorated. We must reverse that trend. One way would be to return daily
quality physical education into the schools. Only one state among the 50
(Illinois) has daily physical education for all students from K thru 12.
(Surveys also show that habits formed by youngsters early are more likely to
be followed throughout life.)
* Exercise, among other things, can cut down the risk of heart disease
and stroke, reduce high blood pressure, lower cholesterol, reduce stress,
increase productivity, help control weight and may increase longevity -- a
regular magic package that's inexpensive, can be done at any time and can be
fun.
As you know, the President and Mrs. Bush exercise regularly and seem to get
great joy from it. If there are questions that you have, please call me at
272-3430.
Step
04. 24. 90 09:33 AM *PCPFS
P03
YOUTH FITNESS FACT SHEET
THE ISSUES:
Youth fitness in the United States has not improved in the last ten years, and
in some cases has declined.
Approximately 50% of girls ages 6-17 and 30% of boys ages 6-12 cannot run a mile
in less than ten minutes.
55% of girls ages 6-17 and 25% of boys ages 6-12 cannot do one pullup.
Boys generally perform better than girls on fitness tests, except in the area
of flexibility.
Girls' scores increase with age until age 14, where they plateau and then
decrease, except for flexibility where there is continued improvement to age 17.
American children have become fatter since the 1960s (U.S. Public Health Service).
40% of children ages 5-8 show at least one heart disease risk factor (i.e. phys-
ical inactivity, obesity, elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure).
Only 36% of America's schoolchildren in grades 1-12 are enrolled in daily
physical education.
PCPFS RECOMMENDATIONS:
Quality daily physical education (minimum class time of 30 minutes) for all
students grades K-12.
Major emphasis of program to be lifetime physical fitness activities for the
development of strength, endurance and flexibility for health and performance.
Physical fitness testing at least twice yearly (fall and spring).
Programs designed to accommodate students at all levels of ability and individual
capabilities.
PFPFC PROGRAMS:
President's Challenge Youth Fitness Award program featuring the Presidential and
National Physical Fitness Awards for youth ages 6-17 and the State Champion Award
for outstanding school fitness achievement.
Annual school mailing with fitness information.
School Demonstration Center program.
Clinics for leadership training of teachers, coaches, etc.
2/89
04. 24. 90 09:33 AM *PCPFS
P04
ADULT FITNESS FACT SHEET
THE ISSUES:
* In the United States, only 40% of adults age 18 and older claim they
exercise or play sports regularly.
* Only about 20% of the adult population exercises at levels vigorous
and frequent enough to produce cardiorespiratory benefits.
* Surveys show that older age-groups report a lower exercise
participation rate than younger age-groups.
* More men (43%) than women (38%) exercise regularly.
* Recent surveys indicate that 34 million adults are considered
obese (20 percent above desirable weight).
* According to a Nielsen survey, 56% of women aged 25-34 were found
to be dieting to lose weight.
EXERCISE TRENDS:
$ Low-impact exercise (i.e. low-impact aerobics and walking) is growing
in popularity as a more moderate approach to exercise and is advocated by
experts.
* A study of Harvard alumni men released in 1986 found that mortality
rates were significantly lower among the more physically active, defined as
engaging in the equivalent of 2000 kcals or more per week of activity reported
as walking, stair climbing and sports play.
* Swimming has the most participants of any sport - 66.1 million in
1987.
* Among team sports, basketball had the most participants in 1987 with
25.1 million people.
* In 1987, retail sales of sporting goods increased to $17.8 billion
from $16.8 billion in 1986.
PCPFS PROGRAMS:
# Presidential Sports Award Program recognizing regular participation in
49 different sports and fitness activities.
* Informational brochures on physical fitness.
* Public service advertising campaign encouraging regular exercise under
the theme "Fitness is Feeling Great!
* Periodic symposia and conferences.
2/89
04. 24. 90 09:33 AM *PCPFS
P05
SENIOR FITNESS FACT SHEET
FITWERED
THE ISSUES:
* Surveys show that only 32 percent of American adults age 65 and older
exercise regularly.
*
Walking is the most popular exercise activity for this age group.
*
The percent of adults who exercise regularly is lowest in the 45-64
age group (30.4%) followed closely by the 65 years and older age group.
* The four most common chronic conditions among adults age 65 and older
are arthritis, hypertension, hearing impairments and heart disease. All but
hearing impairment can be positively influenced by appropriate exercise.
PCPFS RECOMMENDATIONS:
*
Check with your physician before beginning an exercise program.
*
Engage in a regular exercise program to help stimulate the formation
of new bone tissue, improve cardiorespiratory endurance, muscle strength and
endurance and flexibility.
* Include aerobic activities and strengthening and stretching exercises
in your exercise program.
* Program should also include exercises to improve balance, agility and
reaction time.
* Group exercises are recommended as a means to provide social
interaction while promoting physical fitness.
* Increase activity level gradually.
PCPFS PROGRAMS:
* "Pep Up Your Life - A Fitness Book for Seniors" produced by the PCPFS
and distributed through the American Association of Retired Persons.
*
Periodic White House Symposia and Regional Seminars on Fitness and
Aging.
* Public service announcements focusing on exercise for older
Americans.
* Clinic sessions on exercise for older adults.
* Walking brochures and other special projects geared to the fitness
needs of older adults.
2/89
04. 24. 90 09:33 AM *PCPFS
PO6
GENERAL FITNESS FACT SHEET
Provide FITHERSE 2
BENEFITS:
More energy and capacity for work and leisure activities.
*
Improved health (i.e. reduced risk of cardiovascular and other
degenerative diseases, high blood pressure and obesity).
Greater resistance to stress, anxiety and fatigue and a better outlook
on life.
Increased muscle strength, endurance, tone.
Improved joint and muscle flexibility.
Loss of extra pounds and help at staying at 1deal weight.
Improved self-image.
RECOMMENDED PROGRAM:
*
Includes exercises for muscular strength and endurance, heart/lung
endurance. flexibility.
A minimum of three workouts per week including 20-40 minutes of
aerobic exercise (i.e. walking, jogging, swimming); two 20-30 minutes sessions
of muscular conditioning exercises (i.e. curlups, pushups); 10-12 minutes of
stretching daily.
*
Preceed each workout with 5-10 minutes of warmup exercises and end
with a 5-10 minute gradual cooldown.
MOTIVATIONAL TIPS:
$
Check with your physician first to establish guidelines.
Set realistic goals and gradually work towards them.
*
Chart your progress.
Listen to your body.
to exercises you enjoy.
Vary your routine.
Exercise with your family or friends.
Consult an expert if you have questions.
2/89
04. 24. 90 09:33 AM *PCFFS
P07
EMPLOYEE FITNESS FACT SHEET
THE ISSUES:
4 In 1987. the Nation's health care bill was $496.6 billion. up from
$458.2 in 1986.
* About 66 million Americans have one or more forms of cardiovascular
disease.
* More than 1.5 million Americans, many at the peak of their careers,
have heart attacks and more than 500,000 of them die each year.
* High blood pressure afflicts 60 million Americans.
* Back problems are a leading cause of absenteeism and disability in the
corporate environment.
THE WORKSITE APPROACH:
* First true employee fitness program established in 1894 at the
National Cash Register Company in Dayton. OH. Consisted of morning and
afternoon exercise breaks for employees.
* Today, more than 1,000 companies in the U.S. have organized employee
physical fitness programs, and about 50,000 offer some form of recreational
activity for their employees (i.e. softball team, bowling leagues, etc.)
# Benefits of employee fitness programs include: decreased absenteeism,
reduced health care costs, lower employee turnover, improved productivity,
improved job performance and higher morale.
* Sample successful employee programs: Mesa Petroleum, Bonne Bell,
Tenneco, Campbell Soup Company, Pepsico, Chase Manhattan Bank, Phillips
Petroleum, Xerox, The Travelers Insurance Company.
* Cost varies from as little as the cost of a "paper program" with
bulletins, newsletters and other fitness literature to millions for an
extensive in-house facility.
* Association for Fitness in Business (organized in 1974 by PCPFS with a
few fitness directors) now has more than 3,000 members.
PCPFS PROGRAMS:
*
Fitness in the Workplace: A Corporate Challenge - brochure.
*
Federal Interagency Health/Fitness Council - coordinated by PCPFS to
encourage fitness programs at the Federal worksite.
*
Business and industry health and fitress symposia.
2/89