Fitness

Fitness Awards 2024: Top Products and Insights To Support Your Fitness Goals

Published

2 years ago

April 10, 2024

Fitness Awards 2024: Top Products and Insights To Support Your Fitness Goals

While the health benefits of exercise are hard to deny, staying motivated can be challenging, even when you know that it can lead to better sleep, cognitive performance, weight management, and a lower risk for certain chronic conditions and diseases. To stay the course, try to focus on the things and people that matter to you most.

“I want to be well for as long as possible, and feel good in my skin,” said celebrity fitness trainer Jillian Michaels, founder of The Fitness App. The wellness expert, who has partnered with iTouch Wearables, is also motivated by her future grandkids: “I want to be able to snowboard with [them] when I am 75.”

Michaels tries to work out four times a week, and knows there are things people get wrong about exercise. That being said, “the reality is that any exercise is better than none,” she emphasized. Plus, it complements other healthful behaviors. “I’m diligent on other fronts like sleep and nutrition, allowing for some leeway with my workouts,.” Michaels said.

With that in mind, we have curated a selection of accessible and user-friendly products, with input from top experts. Here are the winners of Health’s 2024 Fitness Awards.

To select our products, we assembled a panel that included a podiatrist, fitness experts, and an athlete who shared their insights based on years of experience, the advice they would give clients, and the products they themselves use. We also conducted extensive research, editor testing, and fact-checking to ensure that we’re bringing you quality items that enhance your health and wellness, with tips to help you on your fitness journey.

Image courtesy of Ergatta Water Rowers

This rower is a top pick for Kristina Cañizares, a celebrity trainer, mobility coach, and the owner of Fit & Bendy in Los Angeles. She often uses Ergatta rowers in her clients’ home gyms, and it’s easy to see why. There are two versions: One that’s lighter in weight, crafted from oak, and ideal for space-conscious setups, and another that’s made of cherrywood with a weight capacity of 500 lbs. and the ability to accommodate users up to 6′ 8″. The rowers are powered by water-based technology and allow for smooth, effortless movement. Pair with an Apple Watch, Polar, Garmin HRM-Dual, or Whoop device to keep tabs on your heart rate during workouts.

C3 Lifecycle Exercise Bike

Image courtesy of LifeCycle

Podiatrist Alissa Kuizinas exercises at least five days a week to stay fit. “I am usually motivated by how my body feels and want to maintain that,” she explained. “I have a Life Fitness Lifecycle stationary bike that I chose based on quality and reviews that I use a few times per week.”

Peloton Bike

Image courtesy of Peloton

Being an athlete takes strength and stamina, and no one knows that better than former NASCAR driver Matt Tifft, who “loves” his Peloton Bike, which he uses four to five days a week during race season. “I will go on the treadmill, but I get bored quickly. But with the Peloton bike, I stay locked in with the classes for the entire session,” he said.

NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill

Image courtesy of Nordic Track

Using a treadmill is a great way to improve your cardio. When he exercises, run coach Eric Orton, author of The Cool Impossible and Born to Run 2, is always looking to enhance his performance—and he prefers a NordicTrack. “I run to compete with myself at races and complete my personal, lifelong run goals,” he said. Running also inspires him in other areas of his life: “I am an author, and I often use running to craft my writing, spark ideas, ignite creativity, and quiet my brain.”

The NordicTrack Commercial 2450 treadmill features a 22-inch HD pivot touchscreen, trainer-led workouts, and an incline that adjusts from 12 percent to -3 percent. It folds up when you’re done.

Stakt Mat

Image courtesy of Stakt

Stakt’s The Mat can maximize your limited space. This foldable and lightweight fitness mat offers functionality and versatility for various workouts. Lie it flat on the floor when practicing Pilates or yoga, or fold it at different levels to accommodate tricep dips, planks, push-ups, and mountain climbers without sacrificing its cushy feel.

BowFlex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell

Image courtesy of Bowflex

Improve your muscle strength, balance, and coordination with the BowFlex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell. Its dial-controlled weight range of 8 to 40 lbs. makes it the perfect addition to your home gym.

Crossrope

Image courtesy of Crossrope

Jumping rope, which many of us did as kids, is a good practice to continue into adulthood. It not only burns calories but also improves balance and coordination and potentially has a positive effect on bone density. Moreover, it’s an excellent option if you have limited space. “I live in a tiny cottage, so I have no home gym equipment,” said Cañizares, who uses a Crossrope. “I jump rope and do bodyweight exercises and mat Pilates at home.”

DeskCycle

Image courtesy of DeskCycle

Too many of us spend hours of our lives seated, plugging away in front of our computers. It’s no substitute for a brisk and refreshing walk, but the DeskCycle can add a little activity to the day. Bonus: Its low noise level won’t interfere with those all-important Zoom calls.

Omala Reverb Block & Bands Set

Image courtesy of Omala

Crafted from lightweight ultra-firm foam, cotton, and rubber, the pieces in the Omala Reverb Block & Bands Set can help you maintain balance and stability as you stretch and build core strength during yoga sessions. Use it to customize your practice and stay within your comfort zone while performing half moon, camel, downward dog, and fish poses.

Brooks Ghost Max

Image courtesy of Brooks

Experience the comfortable feel and rocking ability of the Brooks Ghost Max running shoe. This editor’s pick is perfect for running and walking, providing absorption and protecting heels. Certified CarbonNeutral, it boasts an upper made from over 56 percent recycled materials, and helps to divert nine plastic bottles from landfills.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13

Image courtesy of New Balance

Cañizares cites the cushiony comfort of her New Balance Fresh Foam X shoes as one of the reasons that they are among her top choices for workout footwear. This style offers a smooth transition from heel to toe, earning it the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association, which recognizes its benefits for foot health.

Icebug Aura RB9X

Image courtesy of Aura

Made to withstand rugged surfaces such as asphalt and gravel, the Icebug Aura RB9X offers a soft, bouncy interior that contours to the feet. It is ideal for those who relish the feeling of the wind hitting their face.

Nike Zoom SuperRep 4 Next Nature

Image courtesy of Nike

Tifft opts for his Nike shoes for daily walks or running errands. Darnell Cox, a healthy aging coach and gerontologist, praises the versatility of these among her top picks: “I wear my Nike SuperRep Go for everything from long walks with the dog to strength training in the gym.” For this editor’s pick we say: Slip on the Nike Zoom SuperRep 4 Next Nature when you need stability and power during HIIT or other fast-paced workouts.

On Cloudpulse

Image courtesy of On Cloud

Both Cox and Tifft are fans of On Cloud sneakers. The professional car driver says that he wears them when he plays sports, does floor work, or engages in strength training. Designed for the gym, the On Cloudpulse appeals to a wide variety of sensibilities. They’re ideal for supporting lateral movement and bolstering stability and flexibility.

Altra Escalante 3

Image courtesy of Altra

Our experts favored several Altra shoes, but we settled on the Escalante 3, which is a workhorse. It has a snug fit, but its toe box is still roomy enough to let your digits move comfortably instead of jamming them against the front of the shoe (so important when you’re running or walking downhill). The shoe’s zero drop also helps you feel grounded during workouts.

Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Knit

Image courtesy of Vivobarefoot

Maria Pro, a certified personal trainer, prefers Vivobarefoot for its greater range of motion and a more natural foot movement during training. She notes that the shoes improve her proprioception and posture while reducing the impact on her joints, thanks to their wide toe box and zero-drop shape. “I find my weightlifting form improves when I train in barefoot shoes,” she said. A great option from the brand is the Primus Lite Knit, which has a flexible upper (made from recycled plastics) and a two-millimeter outsole.

HOKA Arahi 7

Image courtesy of HOKA

Michaels and Tifft favor Hoka sneakers. He wears his for running, while she embraces a range of outdoor activities. We chose the Arahi 7 for its supportive upper and midsole, extended heel pull, and durabrasion rubber, which aids stability and traction.

Fitbit Charge 6

Image courtesy Fitbit

Keep track of your fitness goals with the easy-to-operate Fitbit Charge 6. This wearable device helps you monitor your heart rate and lets you know how long you’ve been in the target zone while on the treadmill, bike, or rower. It can also offer info on the quality of your sleep, and provide you with a stress management score (among other things), and it’s water-resistant. There’s no need to worry if you forget to charge it at night, either: Its battery life lasts up to seven days.

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5

Image courtesy of TicWatch

If you are the type that loves to hop on a bike and explore the great outdoors, the TicWatch Pro 5 can function as your guide. It comes nicely equipped with a barometer, compass, and turn-by-turn GPS navigation, and has the ability to monitor your heart and respiratory rate, blood oxygen, and stress level. It also comes with altitude calibration (vital for trail running) and more than 100 workout modes, including one for open-water swimming. At the end of a long day, you can use it to track your sleep stages.

Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor

Image courtesy of Polar

As important as it is to work out, it is equally important to make sure that you do not push yourself to the point of exhaustion and injury. “I use a Polar Pacer watch with GPS paired with a Polar H10 chest-strap heart rate monitor so that I can keep track of my workout zone, ” said Cañizares. “This keeps me from over-training and tracks my progress.”

COROS HR Monitor

Image courtesy of COROS

Withstanding pressures up to a depth of 50 meters, the COROS Apex 2 Pro connects to all five major satellite systems, has global offline maps and nutrition and sun alerts, and is made for extreme conditions. Orton said he loves his because it “helps me not only perform appropriately, but helps me navigate mountain trails and recover well.”

Saris H3 Direct Drive Smart Indoor Bike Trainer

Image courtesy of Saris

Turn your outdoor bike into a stationary bike with the Saris H3. Recommended by Orton, this trainer is made with a cast aluminum frame and precision balanced flywheel, able to withstand 2000 watts and replicate a 20 percent climbing grade, aided by an internal cooling system.

Stryd Duo

Image courtesy of STRYD

If a running coach says that there is a device he uses to improve his running power, you listen— and Orton assigns that ability to the foot pods that comprise Stryd Duo. They clip to your shoes and pair with your running watch or phone to let you know when you need to slow down or speed up, which supports training and recovery.

Neutrogena Sport Face Oil-Free Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70+

Image courtesy of Neutrogena

As crucial as it is to stay active, shielding your skin from the damaging effects of the sun when you exercise outdoors is just as vital. Neutrogena Sport Face is an oil-free broad-spectrum SPF that won’t clog your pores and is sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Apply it 15 minutes before sun exposure and at least every two hours thereafter to remain protected.

Oars + Alps 100% Mineral Antioxidant Sunscreen Spray with SPF 30

Image courtesy of Oars + Alps

A common complaint about mineral sunscreen is that it leaves behind a white cast—and no one wants that. Oars + Alps 100% Mineral Antioxidant Sunscreen Spray offers protection from the sun while helping to hydrate the skin with sunflower and jojoba seed oils. No chalky complexions here!

Dove Men+Care Clean Comfort Antiperspirant Stick

Image courtesy of Dove

Antiperspirants are designed to keep you dry throughout the day but they can also be drying. That’s not the case with Dove Men+Care Clean Comfort Antiperspirant Stick, which combats odors during tough workouts but also contains moisturizing ingredients such as dimethicone and castor oil.

Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant Spot Luxe

Image courtesy of Lavanila

For aluminum-free odor protection, put Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant Sport Luxe at the top of your list. This lightly scented paraben- and propylene glycol-free product tamps down bacteria with its blend of lemon and tea tree oil.

Ban Thigh & Body Rub Remedy Anti-Friction Stick

Image courtesy of Ban

Reduce the risk of chafing during long walks or runs by applying Ban Thigh & Body Rub Remedy Anti-Friction Stick to your arms, thighs, or anywhere else that can get raw. Formulated with skin-protecting ingredients such as glycerin, aloe, and calendula, and sweat-absorbing tapioca starch, it will make your workout sesh far more comfortable.

CastleFlexx

Image courtesy of CastleFlexx

Proper stretching and recovery is critical after any workout, regardless of intensity. Preventing injuries and maintaining flexibility are crucial to keeping your joints moving as they should. CastleFlexx’s stretching and strength tool can help release tension in your calves, thighs, hips, back, and other areas. It also comes with a removable two-lb. magnetic weight for increasing core strength.

Breethe

Image courtesy of Breethe

Focusing on your breathwork with this app can reduce stress in just five minutes. It features nature sounds, relaxing music, sound therapy, meditations, and even bedtime stories that help you fall asleep so you can rest, restore, and heal.

Zwilling Thermo Travel Bottle

Image courtesy of Zwilling

Use the Zwilling Thermo Travel Bottle to store your smoothie or protein shake for pre- or post-exercise replenishment. Its safety lock prevents spillage, and its double-walled insulation keeps your beverages cold for 12 hours.

Hydros Water Filter Bottle

Image courtesy of Hydros

Staying hydrated before, during, and after a workout is essential—and the Hydros Water Filter Bottle makes it easy to do. With its compact design, it fits nicely into the cup holder of a treadmill, bike, or elliptical and is light enough to carry if you decide to go for a walk outside instead. Its carbon filter is made of 100 percent coconut shell and housed in a BPA-free plastic bottle, providing clean, fresh-tasting water.

Jillian Michaels, celebrity fitness trainer, health and wellness expert, author, and founder of The Fitness App
Matt Tifft, racecar driver
Darnell Cox, IIN, gerontologist and healthy aging coach
Maria Pro, certified personal trainer and bodybuilder
Kristina Cañizares, celebrity trainer, mobility coach, and founder of Fit & Bendy, a flexibility fitness company in Los Angeles
Eric Orton, run coach and author
Alissa Kuizinas, DPM, podiatrist with Wellness in Motion Boston

Fitness

13 Strength-Training Moves That Taylor Swift Used to Prep for the ‘Eras Tour’

Published

8 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Press Room

13 Strength-Training Moves That Taylor Swift Used to Prep for the ‘Eras Tour’

In “The End of an Era,” Taylor Swift gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at the workout routine that helped her prepare for her “Eras Tour.”

Episode 3 of the six-part Disney+ docuseries follows Swift as she hits the gym throughout the tour, which ran for nearly two years.

Since each show lasted over three hours, Swift enlisted the help of personal trainer Kirk Myers to help her focus on endurance so she could maintain her energy throughout each concert.

“There are a lot of things that we pulled off on this tour that I’ve never even attempted on past tours. I think the longest show I ever did before was 2 hours and 15 minutes,” she said during the episode. “I never would have believed you if you would have told me we would be doing a 3.5 hour show. Now, saying that is one thing. Doing that physically is another.”

In order to dance and sing for that long, the 36-year-old had to make certain lifestyle changes.

“I really had to up my game in terms of physical training,” she said.

While reflecting on her workout routine, Swift joked that it wasn’t for the faint of heart. “I’ve never worked out this much in my life. It’s horrible,” she added.

Here are just a few of the exercises Swift focused on as part of her “Eras Tour” workout routine.

She Prioritized Strength Training

Episode 3 of the docuseries shows Swift in the gym prioritizing strength training. She can be seen doing the following moves:

Battle waves and wave slams
Ski machine
Resistance band-assisted pull-ups
Medicine ball sit-up throws
Overhead hammer slam
Assisted reverse crunch
Hanging knee raise
Medicine ball slams
Medicine ball Russian twists
Reformer plank pikes
Crossover crunch with ankle weights
Medicine ball side throws
Bosu ball squat and press

She Did Lots of Pull-Ups But Hated Them

Swift can be seen doing pull-ups assisted by a resistance band and revealed that she has a “strong dislike” for them.

“In no way do I ever apply this at any point in the show. I just want to flag that as I do every time I have to do pull-ups,” she quipped.

Swift’s personal trainer encouraged her and said she’s gotten “stronger” throughout the years while performing the exercise.

“It’s from all the pent up rage and resentment I have for them,” she joked.

She Started Training 6 Months Before the Tour Began

While reflecting on her workout routine, Swift said she started planning for the tour early on.

“Six months ahead of my first rehearsal, (I was) running on the treadmill every single day at the tempo of the songs that I was playing while singing them out loud,” she said. “You just don’t want them to see you panting.”

Swift previously spoke about her intense treadmill workout in an interview with Time.

“Every day I would run on the treadmill, singing the entire set list out loud,” she told Time. “Fast for fast songs, and a jog or a fast walk for slow songs.”

She Did a LOT of Cardio

Dancing and singing for over three hours is a killer workout, especially when you’re running around the stage all night long. In the docuseries, Swift noted that two of her songs are particularly difficult to perform.

“‘1989’ and ‘Reputation’ are very high cardio. Anything’s hard when you’re scaling a stage that goes the entire length of an NFL stadium,” she said. “I think I run like 8 miles in the show.”

Fitness

5 top-rated exercise bikes for home to stay active, burn calories, and boost fitness in 2026

Published

20 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Press Room

We are inching towards the end of 2025, and it’s time for New Year fitness resolutions. Staying active during the year-end can be tough. Cold weather, holiday celebrations, and packed schedules often push workouts to the back, leaving many feeling sluggish or stressed. But you don’t have to wait for the new year to get moving. An exercise bike offers a simple, no-excuses solution, bringing effective workouts right into your home. It eliminates travel, weather, and time barriers, making it easy to stay consistent.

No gym. No excuses. End the year fitter with a home exercise bike. (Adobe Stock)

Beyond convenience, cycling is a low-impact exercise that improves cardiovascular health, boosts mood through the release of endorphins, and helps manage holiday weight without straining the joints. Even short, daily rides can maintain energy, strengthen the heart, and support overall wellness, helping you finish the year fitter, healthier, and more active.

Why choose an exercise bike?

Exercise bikes offer a low-impact cardio that works. Here are some key reasons why an exercise bike may be better than doing no exercise at all!

Joint-friendly cardio

A report by the Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine Supplement states that cycling delivers an effective cardiovascular workout without the high-impact stress on knees and joints that comes with running, making it ideal for year-round use.

Metabolic boost

Regular pedalling helps keep your metabolism active, supporting calorie burn even on lighter or rest days. Consistent cycling can help maintain an energy balance and assist in managing holiday weight gain.

Mental clarity

Beyond physical benefits, cycling serves as a form of active recovery. A short ride after a long day can help reduce stress, improve focus, and boost your mood, thanks to the release of endorphins and gentle movement that relaxes both your body and mind, reports Health Shots.

Helps you keep lifestyle diseases at bay

According to a study published in the journal PLOS Medicine, cycling can help prevent diseases like heart attacks, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, which stem from living a sedentary lifestyle. If practised regularly, cycling can even help you manage or control pre-existing lifestyle diseases as well.

5 top-rated exercise bikes for home to stay active

If low-impact, joint-friendly workouts are your goal, HT Shop Now has shortlisted 5 exercise bikes for home based on user ratings, reviews, and overall feedback. Ideal for beginners or those returning to fitness, they support knee-friendly cardio, help maintain stamina, and make home workouts convenient and effective.

The Sparnod SAB-05 Air Bike Exercise Cycle is perfect for a full-body, low-impact workout at home. Its dual-action arms and legs provide simultaneous upper and lower body engagement, while adjustable resistance allows beginners and advanced users to tailor the intensity. Ideal for anyone looking to boost stamina, burn calories, or rehabilitate joints safely, the back support provides added comfort for longer sessions.

The PowerMax Fitness BU‑201 Dual Action Air Bike stands out with its adjustable cushioned seat and moving handles, making it comfortable and versatile for users of different heights. The dual action design engages both upper and lower body for a more effective workout. Non‑slip pedals ensure secure footing, while adjustable resistance lets you tailor intensity. Ideal for home workouts, it supports up to 120 kg and enhances overall cardiovascular fitness.

Looking for an exercise bike that keeps you motivated? The Lifelong Fit Pro Spin Fitness Bike features a clear LED display, a smooth 7 kg flywheel, and adjustable resistance, allowing for fully customizable cardio workouts. Its cushioned, adjustable seat and non-slip pedals ensure comfort and stability, while supporting up to 120 kg. Perfect for home workouts, it helps track progress, burn calories, and stay consistent with daily fitness goals.

Looking for a cardio machine that’s easy on your joints? The Reach AB 110 Upright Air Bike provides a smooth, low-impact workout with adjustable resistance and both moving and stationary handles, offering varied exercise options. Its cushioned seat adds comfort for longer sessions, and the design minimises knee and joint strain. Ideal for home gym cardio, it supports up to 110 kg and helps you stay active safely.

Many users love the Cardio Max JSB HF175 Exercise Cycle for its ease of use and versatility in home workouts. The dual-action design allows you to work both your upper and lower body, while adjustable height and resistance make it suitable for all fitness levels. Easy DIY installation means you can start exercising quickly. Its sturdy build and smooth motion help users enjoy low-impact cardio sessions without straining their joints.

FAQ’s: 5 exercise bikes for home

Why choose an exercise bike for home workouts?
They offer low-impact cardio, easy accessibility, and consistent daily activity without the need for a gym.
Can exercise bikes help with weight management?
Yes. Regular cycling helps burn calories, boost metabolism, and support a healthy weight.
Are these bikes suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Adjustable resistance and seats make them beginner-friendly and customizable.
Do exercise bikes strain joints?
No. Cycling is a low-impact activity that protects knees and joints while providing an effective workout.

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

Fitness

Holistic health, fitness goes to the dogs

Published

1 day ago

December 18, 2025

Press Room

Holistic health, fitness goes to the dogs

U.S. Army Spc. Matthew C. Skalisky, patrol explosive detector dog handler, and Beza, a military working dog, both assigned to the 525th Military Working Dog Detachment (Vicenza), 18th Military Police Brigade, complete an explosive detection training lane at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, Nov. 6, 2025. The Canine Holistic Health and Fitness Program mirrors the Soldier H2F model, promoting total health and readiness for the Army’s canine teams. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Westendorf)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. Michael Westendorf)

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Back to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

VICENZA, Italy — For the handlers of the 525th Military Working Dog Detachment, readiness isn’t just about the mission, it’s about maintaining the total health of their most trusted partners. Through the U.S. Army’s new Canine Holistic Health and Fitness program, the Vicenza-based detachment is redefining what it means to be mission ready, one paw at a time.

The Army established the K9H2F program under Army Directive 2025-16 to enhance the wellness, performance and quality of life of MWDs, Aug. 21, 2025. The directive mandates all Army MWD units to implement comprehensive health and welfare standards, aligning with Department of War and Army veterinary care policies.

Modeled after the Soldier Holistic Health and Fitness system, K9H2F takes a science-based, whole-dog approach addressing physical fitness, nutrition, behavioral health and recovery. For the 525th MWD team, that means every dog receives the same level of conditioning and care as any elite military athlete in uniform.

Unleashing potential: military working dogs benefit from new holistic health program — 1 / 2

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U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Payton R. May, kennel noncommissioned officer in charge, and Beza, a military working dog, both assigned to the 525th Military Working Dog Detachment (Vicenza), 18th Military Police Brigade, conduct a take-down training exercise at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, Nov. 6, 2025. The Canine Holistic Health and Fitness program mirrors the Soldier H2F model, promoting total health and readiness for the Army’s canine teams. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Westendorf)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. Michael Westendorf)

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“Our dogs are tactical athletes,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Payton R. May, kennel noncommissioned officer in charge assigned to 525th MWD Detachment (Vicenza), 18th Military Police Brigade. “They train hard, they work hard and they deserve the same attention to fitness, nutrition and injury prevention that we give our Soldiers. The H2F program helps us keep them in top condition so they can perform safely and effectively in any environment.”

A key component of the directive, the Partner and Wellness program, ensures handlers and their assigned MWDs relocate together during permanent changes of station, strengthening continuity and the human-K9 bond.

“When I PCS’d [permanently changed duty stations] to Italy, being able to bring my dog with me made a huge difference,” said U.S. Army Spc. Matthew C. Skalisky, a patrol explosive detector dog handler assigned to the 525th MWD Detachment. “It helps us maintain that trust and teamwork that can’t be replaced. The PAW program makes sure that bond doesn’t get broken.”

Each MWD now follows structured conditioning routines designed to build strength, endurance and agility while reducing the risk of injury. Specialized diets, recovery protocols and enrichment activities round out their regimen, ensuring each dog remains physically capable and mentally resilient.

Unleashing potential: military working dogs benefit from holistic health, fitness — 2 / 3

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U.S. Army Spc. Abigail M. Bentle, patrol drug detector dog handler, and Soyer, a military working dog, both assigned to 525th Military Working Dog Detachment (Vicenza), 18th Military Police Brigade, complete a narcotics detection training lane at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Nov. 5, 2025. The Canine Holistic Health and Fitness program mirrors the Soldier H2F model, promoting total health and readiness for the Army’s canine teams. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Destiny Baker)
(Photo Credit: Spc. Destiny Baker)

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According to U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Viridiana Lavalle, Military Working Dog program manager at Headquarters, Department of the Army, the initiative marks a major step forward in modern K9 care.

“Proactive and data-driven K9 care is essential for optimizing the performance and longevity of MWDs, directly impacting mission readiness and effectiveness,” Lavalle said. “By leveraging advanced analytics to monitor health metrics, exercise regimens and behavioral patterns, handlers can implement tailored care strategies that enhance the holistic health of MWDs.”

This strategic approach not only improves the physical capabilities of these vital assets but also supports K9 mental resilience, ensuring they are fully prepared for the demands of their critical roles.

“Ultimately, investing in comprehensive K9 care through data-driven insights enhances operational effectiveness, contributing to mission success and the overall safety of military personnel,” Lavalle said.

The holistic approach extends beyond the kennel. Handlers train alongside veterinary and behavioral specialists to better understand each dog’s unique needs, improving communication and enhancing mission effectiveness.

“The bond between handler and dog is everything,” May said. “When you have that trust, that connection, the dog performs with confidence. The H2F program helps us strengthen that bond through better training, stress management and recovery practices.”

From explosives and narcotics detection to patrol duties across Europe and Africa, the 525th’s military working dogs play a vital role in safeguarding Soldiers and installations. The K9H2F program ensures those capabilities remain sharp on every mission, in every environment.

“Investing in our dogs’ health is investing in readiness,” said U.S. Army Spc. Abigail M. Bentle, a patrol narcotics detector dog handler with the 525th MWD Detachment. “They’re not just assets, they’re teammates. When they’re healthy, confident and capable, our entire formation is stronger.”

Under the directive, the U.S. Army provost marshal general oversees program criteria and compliance, while the surgeon general of the U.S. Army coordinates implementation guidance. Commanders are required to meet new

Related Stories

Military Working Dogs: Guardians of the Night
https://www.army.mil/article/56965/military_working_dogs_guardians_of_the_night

Four-legged fighters
https://www.war.gov/Multimedia/Experience/Four-Legged-Fighters/

Fort Buchanan K9 team certification: readiness in the making
https://www.usar.army.mil/News/News-Display/Article/3813932/fort-buchanan-k9-team-certification-readiness-in-the-making/

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDSkennel and enrichment standards within 90 days, and the policy will be incorporated into Army Regulation 190–12 within two years.

For the Soldiers and K9s of the 525th MWD Detachment, holistic fitness isn’t just a program, it’s a commitment to excellence that keeps both handlers and their four-legged partners ready for any mission.