May 2020 marks the 10th anniversary of the U.S. Army’s Strong Balance, Activity, Nutrition, Determination, and Strength (STRONG B.A.N.D.S.) campaign, which takes place during National Physical Fitness & Sports Month. Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) hosts events and programs that encourage members of the military community to get involved and “Commit to Stay Fit” at garrisons worldwide.
Army installations are highlighting events that help their communities stay physically and mentally fit too. “We want people to be involved. We want people to be engaged,” says John Hamilton, Fort Hood Sports, Fitness and Aquatics Director. “At the end of the day, this falls in line with having a healthy, active community base.” The goal is to make sure people have all the avenues and tools available to them for happy, healthy, and active lifestyles.
When you participate in one of the scheduled events, you’ll receive a silicone wristband that you can wear to show your commitment to living a healthier lifestyle.
It takes all of these to “Commit to Stay Fit.” Army installations will host events that fall under one or more of the B.A.N.D.S., including fitness classes, hikes, walks, runs, bowling and golf tournaments, info sessions on nutrition and ways to choose healthy foods, financial fitness seminars, library story hour, and much more.
STRONG B.A.N.D.S. started as a way to highlight the many programs and events offered on installations to help Soldiers, family members, retirees, and DA civilians get active and improve their health. We heard that people wanted to be healthier, but they didn’t know how to get there. So, we partnered with various resources like HPRC to provide health and wellness tips.
This year, the Healthy Army Communities initiative will join the campaign to highlight resources available to “Commit to Stay Fit.” They bring together all resources across DoD under one umbrella. The Exchange Be Fit program has healthier food items available in their stores and food trucks, DeCA (commissary) “Thinking Outside the Box” dietician-approved meals, and expanded grab-and-go options in dining facilities. Healthy Army Communities will also provide promotional items and other prizes at events, so be on the lookout for STRONG B.A.N.D.S. activities near you.
Army MWR will once again team up with several organizations—such as HPRC and Be Fit—to provide health, fitness, and nutrition resources to enhance the campaign. Watch for additional blog posts here and details about the 2020 STRONG B.A.N.D.S. campaign at your Army installation!
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