Physical Activity News: October 2026

Issue 62 | October 2026 | {View as Webpage}

Your Monthly News and Updates from The Physical Activity Alliance (PAA)

Updates from the Physical Activity Alliance

Physical Activity Alliance’s “Move With US” Symposium Brings National Leaders Together to Advance a More Active America

The Physical Activity Alliance recently brought together 100+ leaders representing more than 70 organizations for its 2026 Move With US Symposium, held September 23 at the American Physical Therapy Association’s Centennial Center in Alexandria, Virginia.

The day featured a series of highly interactive conversations focused not simply on the importance of physical activity, but on what it will take to help get more people moving. More

Video thumbnail showing Congressman Jimmy Panetta addressing the camera from his office

Announcements, Releases, Reports, and Research

HHS Seeks Public Comments on Step Counts and Muscle-Strengthening Physical Activity The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is developing science-based guidance on step count and muscle-strengthening activity to supplement the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition. HHS invites public comments through November 12, 2026. Learn More

HHS Launches $10 Million Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge More

Strava Is Hiring Its First Head of Sports Science More

Structured Exercise Interventions and Survival Outcomes in Patients with Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled trials Read

Coming Soon! U.S. Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth In December, the Physical Activity Alliance will release a comprehensive assessment that evaluates how active American kids are and how well the nation is supporting them. Sign up to receive future communications here.

New! CDC Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps New CDC adult obesity maps show that obesity rates remained high but relatively stable in 2025. Twenty-three states and territories had obesity rates at or above 35%. No states had a rate above 40%. There were notable differences in adult obesity rates based on location, age, education level, and race and ethnicity. continuing to work together to expand access to healthy eating and physical activity opportunities, prevent chronic disease, and eliminate barriers to achieving and maintaining optimal health. More

The Exercise is Medicine® Active Aging Initiative: Aligning Healthcare, Exercise Professionals and Community Resources to Support Healthy Aging Read

New Opportunity: Bring the Walkability Action Institute to Your State! Apply by November 13, 2026. More

Physical Activity Guidelines for Everybody—or Exercise Guidelines for the Privileged? Why Choice Versus Necessity Matters Read

Isometric Exercise Training and Blood Pressure Control: Exploring the Dose-Response to Training Frequency in a Randomized Controlled Trial Read

Take the 2026 National Coach Survey This short online survey should be taken by anyone who is or has been a youth sports coach and will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. More

New Resource! The Movement Leaders’ Language Guide: Words That Build Confidence, Connection and Possibility for Older Adults More

How Physicians Can Make Exercise Advice Stick Read

The CDC Division I Spent 15 Years Building Is in Peril Read

Exercise Should Be Prescribed as a Core Component of Cardiovascular Care Read

Over 8 Hours of Weekly Activity Linked to Slower Parkinson's Progression Over Time Read

Upcoming Events:

Oct 19-20: PCORI Annual Meeting More
Oct 20-22: Safe Routes to School 2026 National Conference More
Nov 4-6: National School District Wellness Convening (NSDWC) Read
Nov 8-11: ACLM Lifestyle Medicine 2026 Conference More
Nov 17-19: Medical Fitness 2026 Annual Conference More

Activity In the News

– Students Created a Program to Make Walking Safer — and Schools Are Now Using It Read

– Army Veteran, 93, Credits Physical Activity as the Secret to His Long Life Read

– It Can Keep Cancer in Remission. Why Is No One Talking About It? Read

– 3 Science-backed Ways to Help Your Brain Clear Out Waste Read

– Step Up! How To Build A Walking Habit, 500 Steps At A Time Read

– Study: Physical Activity May Improve Cognitive Health in Cancer Survivors Read

– How Physical Activity Can Slow Alzheimer Disease Read

– This Is How Long You Should Strength Train Every Week to Live Longer Read

Who Are We?

The Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) is the nation’s leading coalition dedicated to advancing regular participation in physical activity. We use our collective voice to lead efforts that create, support, and advocate for the policy and systems changes necessary to empower people to enjoy physically active lives. We are leading the movement to make physical activity more accessible, frequent, and integrated into the day-to-day lives and health of all people.

Physical Activity Alliance | [paamovewithus.org | Move With US!