Forward Always: Building a Fitness Community
“Forward Always” – unit motto of the 3rd Battalion, 35 Field Artillery Regiment
In early fall of 1989, I was a new First Lieutenant stationed with the 3rd Battalion, 35th Field Artillery Regiment in Wertheim, West Germany. Our mission was to provide direct fire support to a German tank division to slow the advance of the Soviet Union if it were to ever breach the border between West and East Germany. In other words, I would have had a front row seat for the opening minutes of World War III.
Our ability to execute our mission if or when called upon relied on the mental and physical toughness of each member of our unit. To that end, we trained our soldiers hard. The attached photo shows one of those training exercises with the mud and rain our unit frequently endured during a 30-day field exercise. As an old Army saying goes “if it ain’t raining, we ain’t training.”
Despite the tough training, or maybe because of it, we had several soldiers that enjoyed good German beer and schnitzel a little bit too much in their free time. As a result, they became overweight and failed the Army height and weight standard. To get them back on track, my Platoon Sergeant (the scary guy pictured next to me proudly showing off one of his many knives) took things up a notch with a new program that required any solider failing the standard to participate in remedial physical training after the workday and adhere to a strict diet. It was led by my Platoon Seargent, a crusty old Vietnam veteran who was as tough as nails. A program like this could seem cruel. What happened with it was anything but.
Every day after work, other soldiers in our unit would take turns participating in the remedial physical training alongside their “brothers.” No one asked them nor ordered them to do it. They just did. And they also took it upon themselves to sit with these soldiers in the mess hall and eat the same restricted diet. Whether it was undertaken in a spirit of teamwork or genuine care for their fellow soldiers, they came together as a community to support and encourage one another.
According to the Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA) , 23.7% of the US population has a gym membership. An additional 58% express a desire to work out and become fit but are unfortunately unsure of what to do or where to start. Even more believe fitness just isn’t fun, thinking that the most effective workouts are the most painful. All of this leads to feelings of intimidation and being alone. ?It certainly doesn’t have to be this way.
The fitness industry has long realized that everyone can achieve their fitness goals when they are a part of a like-minded community. Studies show that working out with others increases time and energy spent exercising, compared to those who exercise alone. And the support and encouragement provided by others in the community also helps mental well-being.
Lumin Fitness provides a unique community of encouragers: 1- an AI personal trainer who speaks directly to you through your ear buds, 2- a supportive human coach, 3- a vibrant and interactive digital display that gamifies each workout and acknowledges and rewards you for proper form, and 4- the other participants in the class. All of these elements come together in a unique way to produce an engaging and motivating experience.? Make no mistake – our workouts are still challenging. But going through it as a community makes fitness fun and brings the desired results and progress within reach.
Forward Always…
Check out Lumin’s unique intelligent, interactive, and individualized fitness experience here: https://youtu.be/gW4tspogliA?si=VjZ54MO2Lq3glq2X
Interested in being a part of our continued growth? https://lumin.fit/3XgVXSx
The Fitness Company, Webster Fitness Company, Fairport Fitness Company.
3 个月Thank you for your service and your leadership Craig.
Vice President of Brand Management at Thunderly Marketing
3 个月Love this, Craig. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for your service!
President at Endorphin? Digital Marketing, where great marketing is made digital. Professional speaker/trainer and adjunct professor of digital marketing.
3 个月Great story Craig Sherwood! You're an inspiration, as always. Hope you are well!