A two-day women’s wellness workshop challenged 14 Wing Greenwood’s female military personnel – and support service professionals to consider tools and resources that may enhance overall health, well-being and physical performance
March 4 and 5, Personnel Support Program (PSP) fitness and Health Promotion staff, with guest health professionals, kept the unique health requirements of women, particularly women service members; in mind. Workshops included both educational and practical, hands-on, seminars.
Sport nutrition – Presented by PSP Health Promotion staff, this session covered a range of comprehensive food and nutrient recommendations that may be more specifically applied to women’s health and performance. For women just starting a fitness program, or for the high-performance athlete, the seminar contained current – and accurate – information, applicable to anyone looking to enhance their physical activity, preparation and performance.
Agility and injury prevention – Held on the 14 Wing Fitness and Sport Centre gym floor, PSP fitness staff led women through a variety of interactive exercises, including agility ladders, jumping, landing, stretching, mobility and more. The aim was to provide women of all abilities specific strategies, movements and knowledge to enhance physical activity – and reduce their risk of injury.
Weight training – Using different exercise equipment at the F&S Centre, PSP staff introduced women to proper form and fitness concepts through exercise, and safe operation of equipment. Meant for all abilities, the class was aimed at equipping women with the tools – and confidence – to enhance their gym experience.
Spin class – In a fun, interactive set-up, the workshop hosted two morning spin classes at the F&S Centre. Spin classes are a popular fitness choice for all ages and abilities, offering low-impact exercise and an effective cardiovascular workout. Participants can personally gauge and adjust the intensity level of their workout, making it an ideal option, regardless of fitness ability.
The ability of women to be optimally prepared, effective and healthy – for anything, work or life in general; was a key focus through all the presentations and sessions. With the number of women serving in the Canadian Armed Forces increasing, accessibility, support and resources, and a specific understanding of women’s health is essential. Facilitating and supporting women’s health-related and performance initiatives has shown to have immeasurable benefits; allowing women to continue the great work that’s already been done.
With the support of a national CAF Women in Sport Grant, 14 Wing welcomed special guest Bryce Tully to Greenwood, a highlight presentation over the two-day women’s wellness workshop.
With experience working with Olympic athletes and teams as a performance psychologist and cultural lead, Tully presented comprehensive strategies to enhance, specifically, women service members’ performance, mental health and well-being. Given the unique nature of military service, overall health, performance and preparation play an inherent role in the everyday lives of military women’s performance – and improvement. He described the importance of “creating an environment in which success is optimized.” Using a holistic model of psychological support, emphasizing physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being; Tully illustrated how women can set themselves – and others – up for personal improvement, and success.
Setting goals congruent with your “current self and ideal self,” and “doing things everyday to close the gap,” is a step in the right direction, Tully said.
“Set goals that will create – even necessitate – behaviours and experiences consistent with the life you want to live and the person you want to be.”
Tully kept an interactive and informative presentation style throughout his session, answering participant questions and adding in group exercises and activities, educating members on all the different aspects of behaviours that facilitate health, well-being and high-performance, “regardless of where you’re starting from.” The positive benefits for women service members looking to improve their own well-being and optimize performance starts with creating a pathway and choosing to engage in meaningful and deliberate performance initiatives.
“Being a high-performer is simple – not easy.”
