Aaron Schock challenges America to shape up!

My fellow Americans:

You have the power to change your life for the better. By making smart, simple food and fitness choices, you can take control of your health—and look and feel better than you have in years. (And you’ll even be helping our nation in the bargain.)

With the Fit for Life Summer Challenge, I’m challenging you—and all Americans—to sign up for an easy fitness plan than can help you drop 10, 20, even 30 pounds or more by Labor Day and get in the best shape of your life. I’ve teamed with Men’s Health and Women’s Health magazines to design a program that’s so easy and effective that I know it will work for you. (And it’s free.) By the end of the summer, you can slash your risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and many other diseases dramatically.

How does that help America? Consider this: Health care may be the single biggest factor in our nation’s ongoing budget crisis. Yet 8 out of every 10 dollars we spend on health care is spent on diseases that are preventable; if only we took better care of ourselves. Think of the billions of dollars we could use for better infrastructure, renewable energy, and job creation. Not to mention a little more cash in your pocket.

I know how hard it is to start a fitness program. I got serious about my own health, went to a local health club, and asked for help. With focus, discipline, and knowledge about healthy eating, and only a few years later, Men’s Health declared me America’s Fittest Congressman. (Hey, it’s a small honor, but I’ll take it.)

Make this summer the summer you really get fit. It's contagious—once you start you’ll be fit for life. Research shows that if you can stick with a new diet and exercise plan for 5 weeks, you’re more likely to stay with it permanently. Don’t worry: We’ll give you everything you need. Motivation tips. Workouts you can do without equipment—or without much time. Nutrition tips that will help stay lean, even if you eat fast food once in a while. You can even track your weight and post before and after pictures here, so you can see your progress in real time.

Do it for yourself. Do it for your family. Do it for your country.

So tell me, America: Are you up for the challenge? If so, sign up today.

—Congressman Aaron Schock