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Game, set, match! Zendaya’s Challengers workout is next level

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Game, set, match! Zendaya’s Challengers workout is next level

From her cinematic roles alongside the likes of Timothee Chalamet and Tom Holland to her hard-hitting portrayal as Rue on HBO’s Euphoria, Zendaya is the talk of the town (read: world) as of late. And her latest project, Challengers, is sure to be another hit.

We’re already shopping tennis skirts, and can you blame us? Zendaya looks super sporty (and fashionable) in the action-packed film in which she stars as a tennis prodigy-turned-coach. It’s no surprise then, that so many of us have found ourselves heading to Google to ask: ‘How does Zendaya stay in shape?’

Well, wonder no more, as we’ve done all the hard work for you when it comes to uncovering how the 27-year-old built her body. From her favourite workouts to her go-to diet and nutrition tips, here’s everything you need to know about how Zendaya keeps fit.

But, first things first, let’s keep in mind that every! body! is! beautiful! Yep, as 🔥 as Zendaya’s body may be, each of us are absolute stunners in our very own way – and so, none of us should feel pressured to change a single thing about ourselves if we’re happy with what we see in the mirror.

That’s not to say we should all cancel our gym memberships and throw out our running trainers though, instead we can just take a little bit of inspo here and there from our fave celebrities and their fave workouts should we choose. It’s all about finding what works best for you and your body, rather than obsessively trying to get someone else’s. Because, spoiler alert: you’ll never have that body, but you’ll always have yours.

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What is Zendaya’s workout routine?

Find the fun in fitness

Proving that she really is just like us, Zendaya admitted that she doesn’t always find exercising all that enjoyable. To combat this, the actor revealed to Justine Magazine that she has to find the fun in her workouts in order to stick with them – and for Zendaya, that involves a lot of moving and grooving. “For me, I enjoy dancing and doing choreography, stuff like that. So, that’s how I get my exercise,” she said. “Find something that’s really fun for you. Whether that’s jazzercise or whatever.”

Being such a self-confessed dance-lover, it came as no surprise that Zendaya also competed on Dancing With The Stars back in 2013 – coming in second place on the season. Not too shabby!

She’s a tennis queen

In preparation for Challengers, which is all about a dramatic love triangle between three pro tennis players, Zendaya committed to three months of on-court training with Brad Gilbert (once ranked fourth in the world).

She told ELLE, “I’m not the hugest fan of having to work out, I don’t necessarily look forward to it, but I had to because my character’s supposed to be a tennis pro and clearly I’m not giving tennis pro!”

But we have a hunch she was just being modest, as when speaking about Zendaya’s tennis prowess, the movie’s director, Luca Guadagnino, told media, “I mean, wow. We edited the movie and we almost actually don’t use any of her double. She’s so good.”

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You can also take a peek for yourself because Zendaya shared a BTS video of herself perfecting her swing ahead of the movie’s release. In a video shared on her Instagram, the star can be seen pretending to serve then return a ball at breakneck speed.

Consider us impressed!

Upper body strength

To prepare for her role in The Greatest Showman, which saw her trapeze-ing with Zac Efron, Zendaya had to build up her upper body strength. Speaking to Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show, the actor admitted that before filming she “did not have” any upper body strength… nor has she “maintained” it.

“So, don’t ask me to do any trapeze if you see me, ’cause I don’t have it anymore”, she joked. Speaking about what the training involved, however, she essentially said practice makes perfect: “It was a lot of training, literally just getting up there and going for it.”

When in doubt, wig it out

Admittedly not one to spend much time in the gym, home workouts have become a bit of a go-to for Zendaya – much like the rest of the world who had to DIY their fitness regime during the pandemic. That’s not to say she always has the motivation to workout out á la living room… But, her method of finding her get-up-and-go is quite something.

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“Every day — because I missed acting so much — to inspire me to go downstairs and work out, I would wear different wigs, because I have a whole collection of wigs from all the red carpets that I’ve done,” she told Late Show host Stephen Colbert, when asked how she kept herself motivated to workout during lockdown. “I wear a different wig [and] come down in a different character.”

Despite that, it seems she did get down for this trip to the gym, a clip of which she shared on Instagram showing her practicing planks on a yoga ball… although, the caption says it all, really.

Circuits

In a video formerly housed on her website, Zendaya was seen taking part in a pretty intense HIIT-like workout led by a PT, involving the following moves (crikey!):

  • Arm raises with TRX Straps
  • Bicycle crunches
  • Laps
  • Pushups
  • Leg raises
  • Pop squats
  • Wacky jacks
  • Russian crosses
  • Wide leg squats
  • Lunges

What is Zendaya’s diet like?

Make breakfasts great again

Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar in 2017, Zendaya admitted she isn’t really a “breakfast person” – that’s not to say she doesn’t like breakfast food, however. “I’ve never been a breakfast person. I love breakfast food, just not at breakfast time,” she said. “I’ll eat breakfast food, but it must have some Nutella on it: pancakes, berries, and Nutella.” Nutella on everything? It’s a big yes from us.

Long-time veggie

The Euphoria star has been very vocal about her decision to go vegetarian, which she made all the way back when she was just nine-years-old. Although, she once told US Weekly that she finds being vegetarian quite difficult, given that she’s not the biggest fan of, err, veggies themselves. “I’m a vegetarian who doesn’t like vegetables too much — makes it challenging!” she laughed, later telling People: “My main reason for being a vegetarian is that I’m an animal lover — definitely not because I love vegetables.”

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Her go-to recipe

Despite not being the biggest fan of veggies, she still manages to get them into her diet… sometimes. As for how she does that, it’s rice salads all the way. Speaking to Seventeen, Zendaya revealed the recipe is her summer go-to, and it’s so easy to make too. Head here to check it out for yourself.

Takeaways are a must

It’s not all rice salads though – the actress admits she prefers ordering whatever she fancies from her favourite takeout restaurants. “I don’t cook. I think I could cook… I can do anything I put my mind to, so I could cook. I just a) don’t like following directions, and I’m b) too lazy. I use Postmates to order food. I can have anything I want; that’s the beauty of ordering food”, she told Harper’s Bazaar. “If I’m having my favourite meal, I’ll just skip right to ice cream. In fact, I get in trouble with my assistant a lot. He says I shouldn’t do that.”

preview for Zendaya wears vintage Mugler to the 'Dune: Part Two' premiere

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

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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“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.”

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

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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₹20,000 for effective home workouts”>Looking for a budget-friendly treadmill? Explore Amazon’s top-rated picks under 20,000 for effective home workouts

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Home fitness made simple with Amazon’s highest-rated kettlebell options to support daily full-body workouts

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.

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Holistic health, fitness goes to the dogs

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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.

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Unleashing potential: military working dogs benefit from new holistic health program








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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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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.

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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, incorporate Canine Holistic Health and Fitness program stretching after completing an explosive detection training lane at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, Nov. 6, 2025. The K9H2F 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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U.S. Army Spc. Matthew C. Skalisky, patrol explosive detector dog handler, and Beza, a military working dog, both assigned to 525th Military Working Dog Detachment (Vicenza), 18th Military Police Brigade, incorporate Canine Holistic Health and Fitness program stretching after completing an explosive detection training lane at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, Nov. 6, 2025. The K9H2F 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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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, incorporate Canine Holistic Health and Fitness program stretching after completing an explosive detection training lane at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, Nov. 6, 2025. The K9H2F 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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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 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 Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk)
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk)

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“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.


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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 Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk)
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk)

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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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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.


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Soyer, a military working dog assigned to 525th Military Working Dog Detachment (Vicenza), 18th Military Police Brigade, completes 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 Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk)
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk)

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Soyer, a military working dog assigned to 525th Military Working Dog Detachment (Vicenza), 18th Military Police Brigade, completes 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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“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.”

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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.


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U.S. Army Spc. Abigail M. Bentle, a patrol drug detector dog handler assigned to 525th Military Working Dog Detachment (Vicenza), 18th Military Police Brigade, runs as Beza, a military working dog, conducts 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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U.S. Army Spc. Abigail M. Bentle, patrol drug detector dog handler, 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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“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.”

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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

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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.

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