Let's Move

Fact: Today's kids are the most sedentary generation in America's history. Only one in three children is active on a daily basis, and only four percent of elementary schools offer daily P.E. "That's not just bad for their bodies, it's also bad for their minds because being less active can actually hurt kids' academic performance," First Lady Michelle Obama said at an event we attended today announcing the new Let's Move! Active Schools initiative. The program aims to help schools create active environments where students can get 60 minutes of physical activity before, during, and after the school day, and the goal is to reach 50,000 schools during the next five years.

"This is about so much more than keeping our kids physically active," Obama said. "And it's about more than making sure that they do well in school. I mean, this is about giving our kids the structure and support they need to thrive in every single aspect of their lives. It's about giving them something to strive for, something to hope for, somewhere to belong. And physical activity is a critical part of that broader effort."

While Obama stressed that we don't need "new sports leagues or fancy equipment" to get kids moving (she suggested after-school running clubs or dance flash mobs between classes and cited her own love of double Dutch), the far-reaching program does come with some major expenses, and to help out, Nike has pledged to invest $50 million in the effort over the next five years. Keep reading for more exciting info about Let's Move! Active Schools.

In support of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign — an initiative to help get America's children healthier through fitness and improved diets — Beyoncé recently rolled out her "Let's Move" music video to schools across the country to encourage students to learn the entire dance routine and perform it on May 3 in a "dance off."

Meanwhile, yesterday at the White House, Mrs. Obama boogied down with 80 children of National Guardsmen and reservists during a Let's Move fitness and nutrition event for military families. Although this isn't the first time we've seen the first lady show off her Beyoncé dance moves. Who can blame her? Dance aerobics are so hot right now because they are fun and a great overall workout — as evidenced by the large selection of dance workouts available today. Maybe that's why so many celebs are into Zumba.

Here's Beyoncé's original "Let's Move" video that's getting everyone dancing!

Michelle Obama and Mexican first lady Margarita Zavala run (dance?) with second graders during a physical education class at a Maryland school. Later today, the Obamas will host Margarita and her husband Felipe Calderón at a state dinner. Nothing like a good workout before a big night out!