JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation have teamed up with the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program to help the force and their families stay fit through social media during isolation due to COVID-19.
WCAP is made up of elite Soldier-athletes who compete in international competitions. They are currently working on qualifying or training for the 2021 Olympics.
COVID-19 has changed their normal training routines but they are using this time to help keep the force and their Families in shape by sharing their home workouts and healthy eating tips.
“This is a way for WCAP to give back to the Army and make its mark,” said Capt. Bryce Livingston, WCAP commander. “We can show what the program is capable of. We want to bring the Army along with us to adopt a healthy lifestyle.”
FamilyMWR and WCAP are posting home workouts on Facebook and Instagram ranging from live yoga sessions to cardio exercises featuring the Soldier-athletes as instructors. Healthy cooking videos are also posted every Wednesday.
“Diet is such a big portion of exercise and weight loss and gain,” said Maj. Kelly Kaim, WCAP performance dietician. “If you put the wrong kind of fuel in your body you won’t perform well.”
The workouts and healthy eating tips are reaching Soldiers and their Families around the world. Kaim mentions is it important for spouses and Families to have an understanding of what a healthy lifestyle involves.
“A lot of the times the spouses are cooking for the Soldiers and children,” Kaim said. “Kids model what you do, and if you aren’t eating healthy they will not see it as important.”
Some Families have more time on their hands during the pandemic. Spc. Samantha Schultz, 2021 Olympic qualifier in modern pentathlon, says they can use this time to get active.
“Fitness can be a fun way to get their Family together,” Schultz said. “You can get your kids active. Do an indoor gym class or a healthy cooking lesson. There is so much you can build into a healthy lifestyle.”
Schultz also urges Soldiers to stay fit during this time so they can maintain their readiness.
“Even though life is at a standstill, we still need to be ready and take care of ourselves,” Schultz said. “We are at home and should take advantage of it and see how we can improve our fitness.”
Another Soldier-athlete participating in workout videos is track runner Spc. Haron Lagat. Lagat supports healthy lifestyles for all Soldiers and their Families.
“A healthy lifestyle is the best kind of life insurance you can buy, and we can help the force achieve that through these videos,” Lagat said.
Although the Soldier-athletes’ training has changed, they continue to stay fit and look forward to training for the 2021 Olympics.
“These soldiers were ready for 2020, they will be ready for 2021,” Livingston said. “WCAP was very well prepared, and this is making us even stronger.”
To find workout videos and healthy recipes, visit @FamilyMWR or @USArmyWCAP on Facebook or Instagram.