New physical fitness campaign launched by Schwarzenegger.

The Governor’s Fitness Challenge requires all participants to exercise between 30 to 60 minutes a day, three days a week.

“Sound body, sound mine,” said Governor Schwarzenegger.  

The challenge is meant for children from kindergarten to the twelfth grade. In 2006, 10,000 students participated in the challenge, and in 2007 that number exploded as 70,000 students signed up and completed the program. This year, the Challenge organizers are pushing for 150,000 students.

Governor Schwarzenegger made the call to students to simply get out and do something. “There are sports and there is fitness,” he said. “Sports are competitive and fitness is for you.” He went on to say that those who wanted to be competitive should play sports, and those who don’t should take up another activity.

Governor Schwarzenegger joined Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness Chair Jake Steinfeld to announce the launch of the 2nd annual Governor’s Challenge Competition. Photo from Governor’s Office

Whether it is biking, jogging, hiking, swimming or even walking the dog, Governor Schwarzenegger urged all children to set aside some portion of their day to be active.

The top school will win $5,000 in exercise equipment, and three schools will win a fully equipped fitness center for their campuses.

Sierra Vista Jr. High is a local school who has recently made news with their cutting edge fitness program. Click here to read that story .