About Texercise

Texercise is a statewide health and wellness initiative of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) that encourages individuals and communities to adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as regular physical activity and good nutrition.

History of Texercise

Originally developed in 1998 as an 8-month exercise campaign, Texercise has grown into an internationally recognized senior health promotions program. With the support and guidance of stakeholders, including the aging network, state partners and older adults; our private sector partners; and our spokesperson Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, the Texercise initiative has grown from a single event into a robust initiative offering participants free, quality educational, motivational and recognition resources.

Read Texercise: the evolution of a health promotion program to learn how Texercise has evolved.

In addition, to the activities highlighted in the linked article above, Texercise continues to explore ways to enhance and expand its offerings including the Texercise SNAP-Ed grant projects. Through this partnership, Texercise is expanding outreach for Texercise Classic and Select programs as well as developing and implementing the Texercise Nourish program, and Texercise Prevents awareness campaigns.

Recognition

Texercise has received awards and recognition from various organizations for its dedication in providing educational and motivational resources that help people and groups adopt healthy lifestyles.

  • 2019 Dr. Ron J. Anderson Thinking Progressively for Health Award is awarded annually by the Texas Public Health Association to organizations, initiatives, and/or programs for innovation in current public health practice across the state of Texas.
  • In 2015, Texercise earned evidence-based status which means it was researched and proven effective. The program has garnered the Administration for Community Living's intermediate evidence-based criteria level.
  • 2013 Texas Cardiovascular Health Promotion Award which recognizes outstanding cardiovascular health promotion programs in Texas that addresses any of the major risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease through evidence-based practices.
  • 2011 President's Council Physical Fitness and Sports Community Leadership Award is given annually to no more than 50 individuals or organizations that provide or enhance opportunities to engage in sports, physical activity, fitness, or nutrition-related programs within a community.
  • In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed Texercise as one of 17 programs highlighted in the Reference Guide of Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults: A Resource for Planning Intervention.
  • 2004 International Council on Active Aging Innovators Award honors those who display excellence and creativity in the health and wellness field.