Fitness
This Viral Workout Is All Over Social Media—But Does It Actually Help You Lose Weight?
It sounds almost too good to be true. Content creator Lauren Giraldo went viral for claiming that simply walking uphill on a treadmill helped her lose 30 pounds—without dieting. In her TikTok video, which now has over 14 million views, Giraldo lays out her formula: Walk on a level 12 incline at a 3-mile per hour speed for 30 minutes.
Giraldo first posted about the routine in a 2019 YouTube video, and it became such a sensation that a year later, 12-3-30 gained its own Instagram account, which now has over 150,000 followers. On TikTok, people say the trend has helped them lose weight, burn fat, and more—and they rave about the changes they’ve seen in their bodies after doing the workout consistently.
If you want a quick, efficient workout you can fit into your day, 12-3-30 can help you squeeze in some cardio in just 30 minutes.
The 12-3-30 workout is trendy, yes, but does it really help with weight loss? Ahead, fitness experts weigh in on the trend and whether or not it’s worth adding to your gym routine.
Meet the experts: April Gatlin, CPT, is a certified personal trainer and coach for STRIDE Fitness. Haley Gott, CPT, is a certified personal trainer and dance coach. Gail McGhie, CPT, is a certified personal trainer and founder of Gail McGhie Fitness. Grayson Wickham, PT, DPT, CSCS, is a physical therapist and the founder of the stretching app Movement Vault. Claudette Sariya, CPT, is a NASM-certified personal trainer, health coach, and the founding instructor at Sole+ Studios.
What is the 12-3-30 workout?
First, set the treadmill to an incline of 12 and set the speed to 3 mph. Then, walk for 30 minutes. That’s it!
If you can hit five 12-3-30 workouts a week, which is what Giraldo suggests, you’ll meet the physical activity guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity a week.
However, five days a week might be a little over the top if you’re a newbie exerciser. Doing the 12-3-30 method for two or three days a week, when combined with other types of training, is plenty, according to both Gott and McGhie.
When you’re not doing 12-3-30, you can work in some other types of exercise to keep up your fitness. Interval training, weight training, or even swimming workouts are great options to help you get active, according to McGhie. Look for exercises in the lateral plane (side-to-side motion), she says, since the treadmill only pushes your body to do one type of forward motion.
Overall, 12-3-30 can be a well-rounded, effective workout since it activates many parts of your body. When you walk on a treadmill with an incline, posterior muscles like your glutes, hamstrings, calves, and back are activated, says April Gatlin, CPT, a certified personal trainer and coach for STRIDE Fitness, a total body HIIT and treadmill workout. It’s a form of resistance training, and you’re building strength in your glutes, hamstrings, back, and core muscles, she adds.
On top of that, the speed adds more difficulty. Perhaps the 3 mph doesn’t sound that fast, but combined with the incline, you’ll definitely feel the burn. All of those muscles above are now working at a deeper capacity, Gatlin says.
Your heart rate will also rise since you’re working harder to move at a quicker pace, she adds. And although the workout may feel super tough at first, if you’re consistent over time, your body will adjust to that quicker speed as your body adapts to its “new normal” working capacity, Gaitlin says.
Potential Benefits Of The 12-3-30 Workout
It could help you get stronger.
For starters, the 12-3-30 treadmill routine is a banger of a lower-body workout, says certified personal trainer Haley Gott, CPT.
“It’s a great way to activate multiple muscle groups in your legs.” Your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves are all firing, which means that over time, it can help you build lower-body strength.
It helps your heart.
If your current cardio routine needs a shake-up, the 12-3-30 workout could be a helpful addition to build endurance and boost cardiovascular health, says Gott. Moderate-intensity walking, three to five times per week for three months significantly lowered systolic blood pressure, according to a 2021 study in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
You’ll burn lots of calories.
Those claims that the method burns hundreds of calories are true, Gott says. One 12-3-30 workout sesh can burn anywhere between 300 and 800 cals, to be specific. But the exact number will vary depending on your current weight since it takes more energy expenditure to move more mass, says personal trainer and fitness coach Claudette Sariya, CPT. By comparison, most people tend to burn at least 100 calories per mile when running—but again, this number will vary depending on the person and their fitness.
Let’s say you burn 100 calories from 10 minutes of running. When you do 12-3-30, you’d burn 300 calories, so running would be more efficient for you to achieve the same result, Sariya says.
“That said, if you wanted to crank up the caloric burn on a low-impact walk, I’d encourage you to increase your incline versus increasing your speed,” she says.
It could help reduce your risk of injury.
If you need a break from high-intensity training but still want a workout that packs a major punch, 12-3-30 might be a healthy alternative. The 12-3-30 workout itself is tough, but unlike running, this routine puts less stress on the bones, ligaments, and tendons, says Gatlin.
“With 12-3-30, or any higher intensity incline walking, there is one foot soundly planted on the ground at one time, making the body more stable and the risk of injury lower,” she says.
The workout is beneficial for your bones, too.
Incline walking is a weight-bearing exercise, so with the resistance the body creates, you naturally strengthen your bone density, says Gatlin. Exercise also slows bone loss, according to the Mayo Clinic, so this trendy treadmill routine could be a winner for your health.
It may help with weight loss—if you’re consistent.
It’s important to note that weight loss requires a combination of eating weight loss-friendly foods, being in a calorie deficit, and moving your body regularly, Gott says, and any potential weight loss from doing the 12-3-30 workout will vary from person to person.
If you’re trying the workout specifically to lose weight, the key to walking for weight loss is to stay consistent. “Find ways that you can add in your walks that will help you stay consistent, because the more often you walk, the more weight loss you will have,” Grayson Wickham, PT, DPT, CSCS, founder of Movement Vault, previously told Women’s Health. “Health is a lifestyle, not a quick fix,” he says.
Potential Risks Of The 12-3-30 Workout
Walking on a steep incline can aggravate your lower back since the intense, repetitive movements can lead to your muscles being overworked, Gott says. To that end, stretching and paying attention to your posture is really important, she says. Relax your shoulders and avoid leaning backwards on the treadmill, which can cause your low back to tense up even more. If you’re feeling any pain or discomfort while doing this treadmill exercise, it’s probably a sign to stop before you put unnecessary strain on your body.
FYI: This isn’t a low-impact workout, and it can stress the body more than you think, says McGhie. This also means that 12-3-30 could lead to injuries for anyone with hip, knee, or ankle issues. “If you have those issues, or you experience low back pain, you should start this workout at a lower incline,” McGhie says. You can still challenge your cardio and your legs at a lower incline, she says, like level three or five.
If you have a history of shin pain or shin splints, this training plan may not be for you, says Gatlin. “To combat shin splints, ensure the body is properly warmed prior to starting the workout and wear the proper type of footwear specific to your gait and stride,” she says.
It’s also important to pay attention to your body as you walk. “When we start to get tired, our bodies will naturally start to compensate,” Gott says. Your body might start relying on other muscles to help you power through (like your lower back muscles, Gott says). She says this can cause discomfort or a change in your stride.
“You don’t even notice it, but when you’re tired, your body just does its own thing,” she adds. So, if you’re feeling any aches and pains beyond your usual post-workout tiredness, consider lowering the treadmill’s incline, taking a break, or stretching your muscles out.
How To Try 12-3-30 Safely
This workout is intense, but modifications can help keep it safe and effective at all levels. If you’re new to this training method (or fitness in general), aim for two to three 12-3-30 workouts a week, Gatlin suggests. Start at 3 mph and a lower incline, like three or five percent. Then, gradually add one percent incline each week as your body adjusts to the added resistance. Once you build strength and cardio endurance, you can up your game and try four or five times per week, if you want.
If you have a solid fitness foundation (previous cardio and strength training experience), you can dive into the official 12-3-30 workout as is and do it five times a week as suggested, says Gatlin.
You can also split up your workout into multiple segments to make it safer and more manageable, Giraldo says. And don’t worry about doing it perfectly. If your treadmill only goes up to a 10, you can still do the workout at 10 instead of 12, she says.
At all levels, proper treadmill form is also key for staying safe and maximizing the benefits, Gatlin says. Here are her tips for practicing safe and correct treadmill form:
- Relax shoulders and hands.
- Keep shoulders rolled back.
- Hold head steady with chin parallel to the treadmill.
- Avoid leaning backwards to maintain upright posture.
- Don’t hold the rails.
If at any point you feel like you’re falling behind on the treadmill unless you grab the rails, that’s a sign to lower the incline. Holding the rails reduces the effect of the incline and breaks proper form which can lead to injury, says Gatlin. While it’s okay to slowly build up to the level 12 incline if you struggle at first, your safety should always be top of mind.
As for how you should feel during and after the workout? In general, “You should feel like you are working hard during the 30 minutes,” says Gatlin. Your heart will be pumping, the glutes and hamstrings will be activated, and you’ll be breathing heavier, she says. This may sound exhausting, but it’s a good thing. Your heart will thank you for it.
You may also notice some soreness in the following 24 to 48 hours after your workout, which is normal, says Gatlin. It’s a sign your body is adapting, and after a few weeks of consistency, you’ll notice major strength gains and improve cardio endurance, she adds. Just throw on your “hot girl walk” playlist of choice, and enjoy your 30 minute sweat sesh.
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. She’s a mass consumer of social media and cares about women’s rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.
Lexi Inks (she/her) is a lifestyle journalist based in Jacksonville, Florida. She has reported on countless topics, including sexual wellness, astrology, relationship issues, non-monogamy, mental health, pop culture, and more. In addition to Women’s Health, her work has been published on Bustle, Cosmopolitan, Well + Good, Byrdie, Popsugar, and others. As a queer and plus-size woman with living with mental illness, Lexi strives for intersectionality and representation in all of her writing. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Jacksonville University, which she has chosen to make everyone’s problem.
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
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.
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.
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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
Home fitness made simple with Amazon’s highest-rated kettlebell options to support daily full-body workouts
- 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.
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)
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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.
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)
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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)
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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.
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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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.
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)
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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)
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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)
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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.
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)
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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)
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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.”
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.
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)
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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)
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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.”
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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