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Army says fitness plan cut injuries and drug use, aids mental health

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Army says fitness plan cut injuries and drug use, aids mental health

Early data analyzing Army brigades using the service’s new all-encompassing fitness program shows less injuries, behavioral health problems and substance abuse, and quicker return to duty for injured soldiers in brigades with program staff.

As the Army nears it halfway point of fielding Holistic Health and Fitness, or H2F, program to its soldiers, key next steps include managing data, educating new commanders and fitting it into the Guard and Reserve, the general overseeing the program told Army Times.

Maj. Gen. John Kline, head of the Center for Initial Military Training, said, “Although we’ve accelerated the fielding of H2F teams, if we really want to spread the goodness of H2F it’s got to spread to the greater than half of the active duty that’s not going to get a team and the same with the National Guard and Reserve.”

Three new approaches that could benefit the entire Army include a full day spent on the program at the Army’s School for Command Preparation’s Chief of Staff of the Army’s Core Course, the pivotal training course for battalion and brigade leadership; the use of an additional skill identifier and possible special qualification identifier for H2F trainers; and a wearables pilot launching this summer at Fort Moore, Georgia to compare data for new recruits throughout basic training.

The Army began fielding health and human performance teams along with fitness equipment such as free weights, rowing machines, kettlebells and stationary bicycles to close combat brigades in 2021.

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The original goal was to field all 110 active duty, close combat brigades by 2030 at roughly 10 brigades annually.

The program is scheduled to hit 50 brigades by September. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George ordered that the program double its rate, which it is set to begin in fiscal year 2025. If sustained, that will mean all 110 brigades will be fielded by fiscal 2027, Kline said.

But the training center over the brigade fielding has already begun to gather data on how the program is doing.

Coming out of a near-sedentary 2020 due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the brigades measured, both with and without H2F, have seen increased numbers of musculoskeletal injuries, reports of behavioral health problems and higher rates of substance abuse.

But in all those categories, units with Holistic Health and Fitness teams saw significantly fewer injuries, behavioral health and substance abuse reports. Units with the teams also saw shorter recovery times and quicker return to duty rates for physical injuries and behavioral health reports, according to data provided by Dr. Andrew Thompson, a research physiologist with the training center.

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Army units with Holistic Health and Fitness teams also saw significantly higher rates of soldiers who qualified as experts in rifle marksmanship training. Those units also saw a 23% higher increase in Army combat fitness test passing rates as units without the teams.

Thompson measured these categories from fiscal 2021 to 2023 between more than two dozen Holistic Health and Fitness-resourced brigades and similar brigades without the teams. He also extrapolated what the data would mean if applied across the entire Army, including active duty, Guard and Reserve.

Holistic Health and Fitness-resourced brigade data:

  • 14% lower increase* in musculoskeletal injuries = 6,489 fewer injured soldiers.
  • 30% lower increase in musculoskeletal injuries lasting more than 90 days = 3,002 fewer injured soldiers on profile for more than 90 days.
  • 22% lower increase in behavioral health reports = 2,962 fewer soldiers on behavioral health profiles.
  • 20% lower increase in behavioral health reports lasing more than 90 days = 3,002 fewer soldiers on behavioral health profiles greater than 90 days.
  • 502% lower increase in substance abuse profiles = 13,947 fewer soldiers on substance abuse profiles.
  • 23% greater Army combat fitness test passing rate = 4,455 more soldiers passing the ACFT.
  • 27% more soldiers reaching expert on rifle marksmanship qualification = 88,000 more soldiers receiving expert rifle marksmanship qualification.

*Brigades analyzed, both with and without Holistic Health and Fitness teams, saw increases in most areas from 2021–2023, but those units with H2F teams saw significantly lower increases in all categories.

Source: Center for Initial Military Training

The center expects more data to flow into their spreadsheets as the Army launches a wearables pilot requested by Congress in 2023. Phase I of the pilot will be held at one station unit training at Fort Moore, Georgia, beginning later this summer. Phase II will include basic training units at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, in 2025.

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The pilot will equip soldiers training with Holistic Health and Fitness with smartwatches, chest straps and sleep rings.

Kline expects the data to be delivered to Congress by the end of fiscal year 2025.

“We’re going to be able to see things like soldier sleep, if their resting heartrate is declining, now long they’re in their VO2 Max. Is our (physical training) program building a more fit soldier?” Kline said.

Evaluators will begin measuring these areas on the first day of training through graduation.

The Center for Initial Military Training held its first daylong session with students of the pre-command course for battalion and brigade leaders at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, on April 23.

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That event included a 90-minute low-intensity Holistic Health and Fitness training session, and experts in each of the domains: physical, mental, nutrition, sleep and spiritual. Staff also invited students’ spouses, as the Army seeks to share Holistic Health and Fitness aspects with families, Army civilians and veterans as the program grows, Kline said.

“As the Army’s future senior commanders, you can help promote the health of the force by continuing to implement and embrace the Holistic Health and Fitness system,” Kline told students, according to an Army release. “I don’t have nearly the influence that you all can have on its success, and I’d like to thank you in advance for all you will do to support H2F in your formations.”

For one noncommissioned officer, the day’s event was a way to better understand a program he’ll oversee at his unit.

“I think it’s important for senior leaders at battalion and brigade level to understand H2F completely and get the buy-in, because this is going down to the lowest level,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Craig Anderson. “So, being at brigade level, I think I now understand more about how H2F can be used as a resource to better our soldiers in all aspects of fitness, the spiritual domain, the sleep domain and the physical domain and in the mental domain as well.”

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In 2023 the Army changed the name of the U.S. Army Physical Fitness School at Fort Jackson to the Holistic Health and Fitness Academy.

Senior leaders also began reviewing an additional skill identifier for soldiers who received a short course on Holistic Health and Fitness to return to their units and manage physical training.

Kline said the additional skill identifier for master fitness trainer already existed and the school has modified training to add some elements from Holistic Health and Fitness.

A longer, potentially eight to 12-week course at the school would dive deeper into Holistic Health and Fitness domains and provide a special qualification identifier.

Senior leaders have not yet decided if the skill qualification identifiers will be developed, which could allow soldiers to serve as Holistic Health and Fitness trainers full-time on temporary duty before returning to their primary jobs much like recruiters or drill sergeants do now, he said.

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Todd South has written about crime, courts, government and the military for multiple publications since 2004 and was named a 2014 Pulitzer finalist for a co-written project on witness intimidation. Todd is a Marine veteran of the Iraq War.

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Fitness

Alchemy X brings Fitness and Holistic Health Facility to Philly's Navy Yard

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Alchemy X brings Fitness and Holistic Health Facility to Philly's Navy Yard

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Fitness and Holistic Health Facility Alchemy X moved from South Philly to the Navy Yard this past June.

Owner DaraMarie Adams opened Alchemy X in 2022 with the help of her fitness instructor turned into close friend, Alexis Guthrie.

With Dara’s previous experience working in finance, she took classes with Alexis to clear her mind.

Alchemy X was born after discovering they shared the same dream of creating a community space based on fitness and wellness.

Alchemy X now has two rooms and 11 instructors for their pilate-based classes of various levels.

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The newest addition to Alchemy X is the coffee and juice bar where Adams makes juices, cleanses, and detoxes based on your needs and seasonal drinks.

You can visit the Alchemy X website to book your next class.

website | Website|Instagram|
1200 Constitution Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19112.

Copyright © 2024 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.

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Sweat in Style: Exploring the Boom in the Exercise Fitness Apparels Market

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Sweat in Style: Exploring the Boom in the Exercise Fitness Apparels Market

WiseGuy Reports

A Market Pumped for Growth
The market size for exercise and fitness clothing was projected to reach USD 340.35 billion in 2023. It is anticipated that the market for exercise and fitness apparel would increase from 357.4 billion USD in 2024 to 528.5 billion USD in 2032. During the forecast period (2024-2032), the exercise fitness apparels market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR (growth rate) of approximately 5.01%.

Get a Free Sample File of Exercise Fitness Apparels Market Research Report @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request?id=552510

Shifting Trends Fueling the Demand

The Rise of Athleisure Athleisure, a blend of athletic and leisure wear, has been a game changer in the fitness apparel industry. Consumers now demand clothing that is versatile, stylish, and comfortable, suitable for both workouts and everyday wear. With celebrities and influencers endorsing fitness gear as a fashion trend, athleisure has taken center stage, appealing to a broader audience beyond gym-goers.

Wellness and Fitness as a Lifestyle The global pandemic acted as a catalyst, transforming how people perceive fitness and well-being. Home workouts, virtual fitness classes, and outdoor activities became popular, fueling the demand for quality exercise apparel. People are investing more in activewear that supports their fitness goals, enhances performance, and provides maximum comfort.

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Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices Today’s consumers are increasingly environmentally conscious, pushing brands to innovate in sustainable activewear. Companies are leveraging recycled and organic materials, adopting eco-friendly manufacturing processes, and creating products with reduced carbon footprints. This shift toward sustainability is not only a trend but also a necessity as brands aim to capture the environmentally aware segment of the market.

Key Companies in the Exercise Fitness Apparels Market Include:

Nike

Adidas

Lululemon Athletica

Under Armour

Puma

Columbia Sportswear

VF Corporation

Asics

Mizuno

New Balance

Anta Sports

Li Ning

Fila

361 Degrees

Kappa

Technological Innovations Transforming Activewear

Advancements in technology are revolutionizing fitness apparel. Moisture-wicking fabrics, odor-resistant materials, and compression wear that aids muscle recovery are just a few examples of how technology is enhancing performance. Furthermore, smart textiles equipped with sensors to monitor biometrics like heart rate and body temperature are slowly entering the market, catering to the growing demand for data-driven fitness experiences.

Read More About Exercise Fitness Apparels Market Report @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/exercise-fitness-apparels-market

The Impact of E-commerce and Social Media

E-commerce has become a significant distribution channel for exercise fitness apparel, making it easier than ever for consumers to browse and purchase products. Online platforms offer a wide variety of styles and brands, while social media plays a crucial role in shaping consumer preferences. Fitness influencers and brand ambassadors showcase the latest trends, making activewear more aspirational and accessible. Direct-to-consumer brands are also using digital marketing and e-commerce to gain traction, offering personalized experiences and convenient shopping.

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Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite the positive outlook, the market faces challenges. Intense competition, fluctuating raw material prices, and the need for constant innovation can put pressure on brands. Moreover, meeting the demands for sustainability while maintaining affordability and performance quality is a balancing act that many companies are still navigating.

Future Outlook

The future of the exercise fitness apparels market looks promising, with several growth opportunities on the horizon. Expect to see more hybrid garments that blur the lines between fitness wear and everyday clothing, as well as further integration of smart technologies. Customization and personalization will become key focus areas, as consumers seek apparel that reflects their individual style and preferences.

Read Our Related Reports

Surface Disinfectant Chemicals Market @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/surface-disinfectant-chemicals-market

Surfing Equipment Gear Market @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/surfing-equipment-gear-market

Table Tennis Shoes Market @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/table-tennis-shoes-market

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Tape Adult Diaper Market @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/tape-adult-diaper-market

Tape Casting Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/tape-casting-ceramic-sanitary-ware-market

WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTD

Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Pune – 411028 Maharashtra, India 411028

Sales +91 20 6912 2998

About WiseGuy Reports:

We Are One Of The World’s Largest Premium Market Research & Statistical Reports Centre

Wise Guy Reports is pleased to introduce itself as a leading provider of insightful market research solutions that adapt to the ever-changing demands of businesses around the globe. By offering comprehensive market intelligence, our company enables corporate organizations to make informed choices, drive growth, and stay ahead in competitive markets.

Integrity and ethical conduct are at the core of everything done within Wise Guy Reports. We ensure transparency, fairness, and integrity in all aspects of our business operations, including interactions with clients, partners, and stakeholders, by abiding by the highest ethical standards.

This release was published on openPR.

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Sweat Your Way to Rewards: Live4Well Revolutionizes Wellness with Innovative “Exercise-to-Earn” Ecosystem #Live4Well #VIVPASS #movetoearn #web3 #sports #globalsportsalliance #wellness #NFT

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Sweat Your Way to Rewards: Live4Well Revolutionizes Wellness with Innovative “Exercise-to-Earn” Ecosystem  #Live4Well #VIVPASS #movetoearn #web3 #sports #globalsportsalliance #wellness #NFT

HONG KONG SAR –
Media OutReach Newswire – 18 November 2024 – The past decade has witnessed a dramatic shift in consumer behavior, with online shopping becoming the norm, further accelerated by the pandemic. Reward programs have sprung up everywhere, incentivizing spending and fostering brand loyalty. The core of cashback is to encourage consumers to develop a habit of continuous shopping through rewards. This same logic is beginning to take root in the field of sports and health.

LIVE4WELL VIV PASS

LIVE4WELL VIV PASS

GYMetaverse, the innovative team behind the successful
Live4Well Genesis NFT collection, is disrupting the rewards landscape with the launch of its upgraded
VIV PASS program. This groundbreaking “move-to-earn” ecosystem incentivizes healthy habits, transforming sweat equity into tangible rewards. Live4Well envisions a positive feedback loop where exercise leads to better health, and better health leads to tangible benefits, realizing the concept of “health as wealth.”

Pioneering the “Fitness Mileage” Concept: Earn Rewards for an Active Lifestyle

This inclusive program is open to users worldwide with zero barriers to entry. In just minutes, users can download the
Live4Well mobile app and register for free access to the
VIV Pass ecosystem. Initially,
Sweat Points, the program’s reward currency, can be earned through three primary avenues:

(1)
Daily Exercise — Users accumulate points by tracking steps and calories burned, turning daily workouts into rewarding experiences.

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(2)
Competition Participation — Points are awarded for participating in designated sporting activities, simply by uploading proof of participation.

(3)
Health & Fitness Spending — Users can upload receipts for eligible purchases in the designated sports and wellness categories to earn additional Sweat Points.

Live4Well makes the benefits of exercise immediately tangible, converting effort into visible rewards. Accumulated
Sweat Points can be redeemed for a variety of prizes, including cash vouchers, fitness products, and exercise classes. The
Live4Well app also empowers users to track their fitness data and participate in engaging challenges.

Creating a Global Sharing Economy: A triple win for Users, Businesses, and the Industry

Live4Well’s vision extends beyond simply creating a health management platform. The “exercise-to-earn” concept fosters a mutually beneficial ecosystem:

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(1)
User Benefits
VIV PASS motivates individuals to adopt and maintain healthy exercise habits through a rewarding system.

(2)
Business Advantages The platform connects businesses with their target audience through community engagement and strategic partnerships, driving more effective product promotion.

(3)
Industry Transformation By creating a “move-to-earn” economy,
Live4Well stimulates consumer spending, transforming calorie expenditure into a quantifiable reward unit. This innovative approach empowers businesses to generate revenue, expand operations, and seamlessly connect the virtual and physical worlds.

Since its inception,
Live4Well’s fitness alliance ecosystem has continued to expand. With ongoing optimization of its operational framework, the
VIV PASS ecosystem provides easy access and a tiered membership system, fostering a comprehensive wellness mechanism which stimulates consumer engagement, and builds a thriving global sharing economy.

https://www.live4well.io/
https://x.com/live4well
https://www.facebook.com/live4well.io
https://www.instagram.com/live4well.io
https://www.youtube.com/@live4well

Hashtag: #Live4Well #VIVPASS #movetoearn #web3 #sports #globalsportsalliance #wellness #NFT

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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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