The idea that fitness should be something that prepares you for life in general, rather than just the gym environment is not new. But, it’s one that’s been gathering momentum for the last couple of decades as more and more people realize they need to be better at more than just specific machines at the gym.
As Michael Nunnely, Chief of Air Force fitness says, “People are looking to do exercises that help them in daily life.” As a result, they’re moving away from working with very specific machines to something that’s, as Nunnely says, “More practical to our daily lives.”
It’s not just something that’s happening within the Air Force, either. The industry as a whole has been moving in that direction and, recently, Air Force fitness centers have been embracing the trend, offering new experiences and exercises to help get Airmen and women into shape.
The move towards functional fitness
Functional fitness is the idea that fitness should prepare you for everyday things in your life. It goes beyond being able to thrive in the gym. It’s about creating habits that make your daily routine easy, things like bringing in groceries, getting to work, or moving heavier items around.
“In general,” said Nunnely, “it helps to better prepare their bodies, not just for their career, but for life in general.” He adds, “When we lift something, we don’t lift it from one place in our bodies. We use our bodies as a whole.”
Part of this means changing the way you go about fitness and the Air Force fitness program aims to make that easier. As Nunnely puts it, they’re in the process of defining what the fitness centers of the future will look like. That means smaller facilities with more general equipment like BeaverFit gym lockers, rather than specific machines. And, it means a stronger partnership with Outdoor Rec.
“Over the years we’ve partnered with ODR for events,” said Nunnely. “But I think in years past, it was assumed that ODR did outside, and fitness centers did indoors. That’s not necessarily the case. The line between ODR and fitness centers has been blurred.”
These blurred lines mean that fitness can be whatever you want it to be. As we’ve been highlighting, it could be trail running, powerlifting, outdoor obstacle course races, or even snowboarding. Getting outside and getting active helps the entire body and makes fitness less of a chore.
The hardest part of fitness for a lot of people can be the idea of going to a gym or fitness center. They are loud, stuffy, and indoors. This creates a barrier for some people, especially if the idea of being indoors or doing the same workout over and over doesn’t appeal.
Functional fitness, and the idea of outdoor fit changes that.
Sal Salinas, Air Force Services Center Outdoor Recreation Program Manager, and fitness professional offers a ringing endorsement of the outdoor gym, “The outdoor gym has so many activities and new experiences to choose from. Regardless of what you do from cycling, kayaking, trail running, or rock climbing, engaging in these types of activities will challenge your body in new ways as well as give you an excuse to enjoy the fresh air as you participate in these outdoor workouts!”
A more personalized version of fitness
Outdoor fit, as the name implies, is taking fitness outside. It’s hopping on your bike, hiking the local trails, or going for a paddle.
What’s particularly great about an outdoor fitness is that your workout totally depends on where you are. If you’re somewhere like Yokota, Japan, you could hike Mt. Fuji. In North Dakota, it could be snowboarding. If you are in California, or Colorado maybe it’s kayaking. The natural world offers variety in terrain, activity, climate, and even workout partners. The biggest challenge ends up being what’s best for you, and what’s available.
That’s where the ODR team comes in. Not only do they know what’s available in a region, but they have the equipment you’ll need to get started and can also provide training or guided experiences until you’re comfortable going out there on your own.
There is a strong community among folks in the outdoor rec space. It’s not hard to find people who share your interests and your skill level. If you wanted to start a regular routine with others in your area, you won’t have to look too hard.
Nunnelly and Salinas are working closely to reinforce the importance of functional fitness across the Air Force. “ODR is stepping up to show Airmen that maintaining fitness can be something they look forward to,” said Salinas. Outdoor activities such as trail running, rucking, and rock climbing mimic the physical attributes and movement patterns that may be required when placed in a combative environment. Plus, there are the added benefits of exploring your location, having fun, and taking a break from daily stressors.
“The outdoors offer a win, win, win,” says Salinas, “you get the social, physical and strength building, along with the spiritual connection nature offers.”
Discover Air Force Outdoor Recreation where you are. Visit https://afoutdoors.com or, your installation or Force Support Squadron website.
