Time to get up: activity and Veteran sanity
The new Army physical fitness test (PFT) is out, and I would bet one of my cats that I was not the only person to breathe a sigh of retired relief. There will be no backwards-medicine-ball-throws or sled-drag-shuttle-runs for me, and for that I am grateful.
But while I will not need to do leg tucks or multi-step push-ups to keep my job, I did take last week to bike — on a modified, recumbent trike — 70 miles through Long Island with Wounded Warrior Project’s annual New York City area Soldier Ride. If you have never ridden a recumbent bike up and down rolling hills (or over the Brooklyn Bridge), I do not suggest it: without the ability to stand up, it’s an undertaking of leg power you probably didn’t train for.
But all you had to do while suffering up a long, slow Hamptons hill on the day three’s 25th mile is be near the double amputees cranking out rotations on hand-cycles (including one above-elbow amputee) and suddenly it wasn’t so bad. Or you could look back on day two’s 1500 civilian supporters on bikes backing you up and you found the energy to push through.
Why care?
Staying active as a Veteran is tough for many of us. Why get up early to work out if there is no one counting you at a formation, or pushing yourself to do better if there is no promotion connected to a great PFT score? Add in the injuries from bombs or equipment carries or falling out of airplanes into trees and staying on the couch is just plain easier for most of us.
But the longer we sit around, the worse off we are. Studies show exercise can not only help combat depression, but even lowers chemical levels related to the fight or flight response. That means regular exercise could contribute to fewer symptoms of PTSD and lessen the impact of triggers on daily life. That should motivate more of us to start moving: our heart rates shouldn’t only increase during fireworks and thunderstorms.
Making motivation real
If false motivation — the kind we have when we are dragging ourselves out only for our health or because we don’t want to buy all new pants — gets you off the couch, that’s a start just like the PT score or a shouting supervisor used to pull you out of bed. But what about making it so we want to keep moving?
That’s where events like Soldier Ride come in, with their monthly rides around the country full of other Veterans in a non-competitive, supportive atmosphere. Thousands of people along the streets coming out to shout encouragement, BBQ at the end of the day’s ride, and the group riding as a team to encourage everyone up that last hill. Of course, if competition motivates you this isn’t the event for you. But luckily there are plenty of groups for Veterans, Caregivers, and Families that you can definitely find your niche.
Team Red White and Blue with chapters all over the country has weekly runs, bike events, rock climbing, bowling socials, and plenty more. Every chapter is different with their own personality and available activities, including discounted entry to races for the competitive folks. They also conduct research into connections between exercise and mental health with annual studies on what they learn.
Go Ruck has various events nationally to give the old military experience of using your LPCs (leather personnel carriers, or boots), from fun commemorative events to day-long adventures through cities, beaches, and woods. With a weighted pack on your back you can relive those fond memories of knowing you definitely could have taken a more direct route but clearly the drill sergeant had other plans that involved “pulling security” and “buddy carries.”
Sierra Club Military Outdoors offers options like family geocache hunts all the way to multi-day travels on the Appalachian Trail, maybe some kayaking and whitewater or wilderness first aid. Plus with the outdoor leaders program Veterans can get certified to run wellness and outdoor trips for their fellow Veterans as a part of the Sierra Club.
The Headstrong Project is an example of a whole body mental health program, with partnerships emphasizing local activity and wellness like yoga, meditation, and exercise.
Once you recall there are also Veteran-focused volunteer projects, fly fishing, equine therapy, yoga programs, and much more out there it should be easy to get motivated. Chances are there are also local programs like discounted gyms or casual sports teams, too. The groups might be mixed with Civilian Supporters or all Veterans, so seek out your preference and get to it.
Just because you don’t have to pass a PFT anymore doesn’t give you a pass on getting up. And if those guys on hand cycles uphill for 70 miles are any indication, you can do whatever it is you want.
No more excuses.
