NASA's Occupational Health Program advocates all employees' participation in physical fitness and other health/wellness activities. In addition to health benefits reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), regular exercise and a well-balanced diet may help to reduce absences due to illness, increase productivity, and enhance individuals' quality of life and mental health.

Studies conducted by the CDC and the ACSM have shown that adults should accumulate 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week. Physical activity results in protective effects and reduction of risk for several chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease, hypertension, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, colon cancer, and anxiety and depression. A midlife increase in physical activity is associated with a decreased risk of mortality - an estimated 250 000 deaths per year in the United States (about 12% of the total) are attributable to a lack of regular physical activity.

• List All Fitness Center Facility Managers
• Using Fitness Facilities at Other Centers While on Travel
• See Photos of Various NASA Fitness Centers

Most NASA Centers and component facilities have onsite fitness centers. Some NASA Centers also feature running/walking trails, basketball courts, tennis courts, and group exercise classes. Employees should take advantage of these benefits.

For information on how to become a member, obtain a schedule of group classes, or to tour the facilities, visit or contact your Fitness Center.

You can begin the process by completing the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q).