Wounded Warrior Project TRX Fitness Workshop Challenges Wounded Veterans
HOMESTEAD, Pa. (Jan. 17, 2017) – During a recent Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) fitness workshop, injured veterans had the opportunity to try the popular Navy SEAL-created workout known as TRX (Total Body Resistance Exercise). Participants worked hard to improve their physical health and wellness and while doing so experienced the benefits of connecting with fellow service members.
“I decided to sign up for this because I am looking to improve my overall health,” said Army veteran Michael Benner. “But what I ended up liking the most was the chance to be with other wounded warriors. It helps relieve stress and introduces us to people who have lived through the same things; it’s hard to find that sense of understanding outside other veterans.”
During the two-day program, warriors learned about using their bodies to maximize the benefits of TRX equipment and barbell training. To emphasize the importance of overall lifestyle changes to improve health, participants also learned about the basics of proper nutrition and maintaining healthy habits. The program was available to veterans of all fitness levels, and coaches offered technique modifications to make sure warriors’ needs were met – no matter where they were in their recoveries.
These connection activities support the long-term recovery needs of warriors by reintroducing them and their families to the unique bonds experienced during military service. In a WWP survey of the injured warriors it serves, more than half of survey respondents (51.7 percent) talked with fellow Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation New Dawn veterans to address their mental health issues, and 29.6 percent expressed physical activity helps.
Fitness workshop participant and Army veteran Andrea Mixon said connecting with other veterans was her motivating factor behind reaching out to WWP. She found that camaraderie last year when she took part in a multi-day mental health program.
“I was able to meet veterans who had the same outlook and feelings about being out of the military,” she said. “We all had different stories, but at the same time, it was one story. It made me want to do more with Wounded Warrior Project – and more to help my fellow warriors. I gained a sense of confidence that is helping me move forward in my life.”
Staff members closely interacted with attendees during the workshop, advising them of additional services to support their recoveries. WWP offers a variety of programs and services that assist injured veterans with mental health, physical health and wellness, career and benefits counseling, and connecting with other warriors and their communities. Generous donors make it possible for wounded warriors to take part in outreach activities and benefit from program resources at no cost to them.
“It means the world to me to be part of such a great organization that allows me – and others like me – to see that life can go on after the military,” Andrea said. “Wounded Warrior Project has shown me that waking up every morning doesn’t have to be something I dread; it can be amazing. I’m now part of a bigger family, filled with people who I can call my brothers and sisters.”
To find photos from this event, click on multimedia, then images.
Contact: Mattison Brooks – Public Relations Specialist
Email: MBrooks@woundedwarriorproject.org
Phone: 904.646.6897
About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) connects, serves, and empowers wounded warriors. Read more at https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/.