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| Children prepare to run a mock Combat Fitness Test (Source) |
By: Maria McConville, MS, RDN, CPT*
Military life brings unique challenges, including frequent moves, extended absences, and unpredictable schedules. But some things are constant—like physical fitness, for example—which is a cornerstone for most members of the military community.
For military spouses and children, staying physically active isn’t just about fitness. It’s also a powerful tool for maintaining mental health and creating a sense of stability. When Service Members are away for training, school, or deployments, physical activity can become a grounding force, offering stress relief, social connection, and a boost to overall well-being. The physical benefits of regular exercise—improved cardiovascular health, stronger muscles, and better sleep—are well-known. But for military families, the mental health benefits are just as important.
Exercise releases endorphins too, reduces stress and anxiety, and provides a sense of control during uncertain times. It also can alleviate symptoms of depression and improve mood, both common struggles during long separations. That’s why the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention teamed up with CHAMP to bring their "Moving Matters" campaign into military communities. As an Army Veteran and spouse, I lived on various military installations and in military communities, and experienced the creative ways in which spouses and kids stay active for better well-being and resilience.
Military life brings unique challenges, including frequent moves, extended absences, and unpredictable schedules. But some things are constant—like physical fitness, for example—which is a cornerstone for most members of the military community.
For military spouses and children, staying physically active isn’t just about fitness. It’s also a powerful tool for maintaining mental health and creating a sense of stability. When Service Members are away for training, school, or deployments, physical activity can become a grounding force, offering stress relief, social connection, and a boost to overall well-being. The physical benefits of regular exercise—improved cardiovascular health, stronger muscles, and better sleep—are well-known. But for military families, the mental health benefits are just as important.
Exercise releases endorphins too, reduces stress and anxiety, and provides a sense of control during uncertain times. It also can alleviate symptoms of depression and improve mood, both common struggles during long separations. That’s why the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention teamed up with CHAMP to bring their "Moving Matters" campaign into military communities. As an Army Veteran and spouse, I lived on various military installations and in military communities, and experienced the creative ways in which spouses and kids stay active for better well-being and resilience.
Family fitness challenges
Many military communities turn fitness into a fun, shared goal. Whether it’s a month-long step challenge, a daily yoga streak, or a goal to run a certain number of miles together, these friendly competitions can motivate family members to stay active. Some partners and spouses even sync these challenges with the duration of the Service Member’s training exercise or deployment, creating a positive countdown to their return. When I lived on one installation, my Soldier was on a nine-month rotation to Korea. The spouses created a “Walk to Korea” walking group. Parents with strollers, toddler bikes, and scooters in tow walked alone or in groups. One volunteer even kept a record of participants’ miles walked. When the group collectively accumulated enough miles to have walked to Korea, the walkers enjoyed a potluck dinner where we connected and shared our experiences.Stroller workouts & parent meetups
Some parents with young children form walking or jogging groups that double as social support systems. “Stroller workouts,” where parents push strollers through parks while doing body-weight exercises, are popular because they combine fitness with childcare. These meetups often lead to new friendships and connections. In addition, parents can share community resources and local information, strengthening social ties along the way.Adventure days & outdoor exploration
Since military families tend to move often, a new place provides many opportunities to explore new environments. Hiking local trails, kayaking, biking, or even rock climbing can turn physical activity into an adventure, especially when kids are on summer break. When we were stationed in Washington state, a group of military spouses joined a relay team to climb Mount Rainier. It was demanding, but through their new-found teamwork, they persevered through the challenging terrain, weather, and trail conditions.Local culture immersion
Each duty station has unique aspects, offering families a fun learning experience. When stationed in Boston, some Coast Guard families collectively walked the famed 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, passing by 16 significant historical places that helped shape America’s independence. Being stationed in the Washington, DC area for several years, our family also had the pleasure of visiting numerous monuments, museums, and historical landmarks, all on foot or by bicycle. And while stationed in Hawaii, there was never a shortage of beaches for long sunset walks.Unique situations & opportunities
Never did I see the strength of a military community as I did through the isolating days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Neighborhood families created scavenger hunts and would email clues to other families. One-family-at-a-time, participants followed the clues with the “hunt” taking them to places in their neighborhood where they’d gather trinkets or goodies left by the previous family. This sense of connection helped strengthen relationships and social bonds, even when families couldn’t gather in person. I love the creativity and resilience of military families!By incorporating movement in fun and flexible ways, military spouses and kids build strong bodies, strong minds, and a strong community—ready to welcome their Service Member home with open arms and healthy hearts—with Moving Matters!
