Military bases offer resources for parenting, health, continuing education, automotive services, and more. But did you know they also have resources available to support your fitness journey? And that those resources are available to you, as a military spouse, not just to your active duty service member?
That’s right! Military bases have many resources to encourage and support your fitness journey. Some things available are the Bod Pod scanner, the parent exercise room, as well as other health and nutrition services.
Did we also mention these resources are free!?
1. Human Performance Resources (HPRC)
The Human Performance Resource (HPRC) is available to support your fitness journey as a parent or spouse of an activity duty service member. HPRC is a team of specialists who provide evidence-based resources to service members and their families.
Visit the HPRC website to read articles, watch videos, and view other resources to improve performance in all areas of your life.
2. Bod Pod Scanner
Getting healthy isn’t always just about losing weight. There are many ways to track your fitness journey. Fortunately, most military bases provide ways to do just that, including a Bod Pod scanner.
Bod Pod is an Air Displacement Plethysmography System (an instrument used for measuring changes in volume within the body). The Bod Pod gathers data about body composition, not just numbers on a scale. It is thorough and accurate when determining even slight changes in fat, body mass, and metabolism. This resource is best used over time to see accurate changes throughout your fitness journey.
The Bod Pod is available to any active duty members and their families by appointment and is usually located in the fitness, wellness, or nutrition centers of most installations.
3. Fitness Center/Parent Fitness Room
Every military installation has a fitness center. This resource is free to use during regular hours (and when given 24/7 access approval) for all military members and their families. This typically houses resources like a parent fitness room and a handful of other family-friendly areas.
Most fitness centers include multi-purpose courts, racquetball courts, strength training rooms, exercise/aerobics areas, cardiovascular space, locker rooms, and administrative offices. These resources offer both directed and self-directed opportunities in the form of classes and personal training. They also rent out equipment and host monthly competitions or tournaments.
Check your installation fitness center’s Facebook page or online resource to see all they have to offer. Through this, you can find ways to support your fitness journey as a parent or spouse.
4. Recreational Fields and Facilities
Along with the fitness center, most military installations boast recreational fields and facilities. These often include an indoor/outdoor pool, baseball/tennis/soccer fields, as well as an outdoor and/or indoor track. Many also include a bowling alley, golf course, and aquatic center.
For more details about amenities and rental gear, reach out to your local outdoor recreation office. Here you’ll find how to rent things like paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, and more!
5. Nutritional Coaching
Fitness isn’t just about exercising. Taking care of yourself and improving your fitness also includes what you put into your body. Fortunately, the military has nutritional resources for active duty members and their families covered, too!
Military OneSource offers a free online chat option for health and wellness coaching. (Note: This site is restricted and requires a common access card). The military also provides outpatient nutrition clinics within the military treatment facility and telenutrition services at select installations.
To speak with a health and wellness coach, call 800-342-9647, use international calling options, or schedule a live chat.