Solving a need for space, CIMT invests in BeaverFit solutions for Army units
As the Holistic Health and Fitness initiative, or H2F, rolls out across the Army, units must overcome the hurdle of finding dedicated space to carry out their programs. BeaverFit and the U.S. Army’s Center for Initial Military Training have begun to solve that challenge together with a solution delivered to more than a dozen units this year. https://youtu.be/QyuCx7__w5Y?si=wbcl5ulv5zjSYC1K Nicknamed the CIMT SunPro, the solution consists of three components: BeaverFit Performance Locker A shipping container with anchored training rigs and secure storage BeaverFit Cardio Locker A container including off-grid cardio equipment and roll-up doors BeaverFit SunPro A tension fabric structure that creates a training space protected from the elements, with the option to add rubberized flooring and lifting platforms While the Army plans to resource more than 100 brigades with Soldier Performance Readiness Centers by 2030, in the meantime, the readiness of Soldiers and the success of unit-level H2F programs depend on quick solutions. Select units at Forts Bliss, Huachuca, Liberty, Jackson, Johnson, Drum, Campbell and Joint Base Lewis-McChord are the first to receive the new BeaverFit SunPros designed to create space for H2F activities. “It’s great to see that as units are being resourced for H2F, CIMT is ensuring this includes proper equipment and the space to utilize it,” said Jason Clark, training and education lead, BeaverFit. “Our goal is to develop environments alongside them in which those resources can be used effectively.” The desired environment called for an all-weather strength and conditioning asset that could accommodate personnel up to the company level. Most of the resourced units had used standalone BeaverFit Lockers to train, which offer suitable platoon-level strength training capabilities but lack weather protection and integrated conditioning assets. The specific SunPro and Locker configuration designed for CIMT provides all-weather coverage, strength and conditioning components, and – the biggest win, according to Clark – can be placed anywhere because it’s not Real Property. Instead of Soldiers needing to trek across the installation to a separate facility for a training session, the SunPro can be placed at the unit level, removing logistical barriers to training. “The SunPro creates an environment in the outdoor space that limits as many factors that could negatively influence a training session as possible,” he stated. And as the SunPros are delivered, CIMT is also funding training and education courses for select locations to empower small unit leaders to be force multipliers within the environment. “Space does not automatically equal an environment,” Clark explained. “The environment is human driven. Training and education sets an environment of organizational success versus chaos. Kudos to CIMT for leaning forward into providing space and training resources instead of waiting for it to be figured out at the unit level, and also, good on the coaches for continuing to do the most with what they have and scaling their mindset as the program grows.” As the Army’s mindset around physical training evolves, BeaverFit’s support evolves in step. “We don’t do this from a standpoint of ‘we know best;’ it’s a collaborative effort to receive feedback from the higher-level command, the experts on site, and the Soldiers on the ground,” Clark said. “It’s our goal to be the Army’s trusted partner. As they continue to require new capabilities, or as they encounter new barriers, we’ll work alongside them to create solutions that enable them to win.” In addition to delivering these SunPros and the accompanying training and education courses to CIMT, BeaverFit remains in the running for the Army’s SPRC contract. Whether supplying Lockers, AFT equipment, SunPros, SPRCs or other tactical training solutions, one thing is constant: BeaverFit continues to support and develop the Soldier Weapon System with innovative, purpose-built, requirements-based capabilities. Get in touch. BeaverFit is a defense contractor and the largest supplier of fitness equipment to the U.S. Armed Forces. We create custom expeditionary fitness and readiness equipment for every mission essential task: from portable container gyms to special operations subterranean trainers. Explore solutions Share this… FacebookFacebook Save Twitter
Oklahoma First Responder Wellness Division fosters holistic health through group exercise
The Oklahoma First Responder Wellness Division, or OKFRWD, is pioneering the way for first responders’ holistic well-being, using group fitness as a catalyst for deeper transformation – and BeaverFit equipment to conduct it. At the core of their mission lies one word: resiliency. Encompassing body, mind and spirit, the Division uses structured workouts and communal activities to not only promote healthier lifestyles, but to provide a platform for building trust and camaraderie. Danny Long, director of OKFRWD, called group fitness a bridge-builder. “It builds trust when you’re spending that amount of time together. Even if you’re not talking, even if you’re just there suffering through a workout together, it’s one of the best bridges for trust I can think of.” As a retired Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper, Long experienced firsthand the challenges faced by the first responder community, which extend far beyond physical dangers. While leading outdoor workouts with his team during the pandemic, he began noticing that physical fitness wasn’t the only thing coming out of the group exercise sessions. “I started keeping track of all the follow-up conversations post-workout,” he said. “What is counseling? What else can we do to improve our home life? Where can we get help financially? All these questions started coming in, and I knew it all had to be tied directly into one wellness program.” How a unique approach went beyond an equipment purchase A significant milestone in OKFRWD’s journey was the acquisition of 12 BeaverFit Performance Lockers and four Beyond Trailers, funded through the Department of Public Safety, making functional fitness more accessible for first responders throughout the state. The Performance Lockers create an outdoor training environment with a fully-loaded container gym, and the mobile fitness trailers bring a gym on wheels wherever it is needed – whether that be an event, a training, a conference, or a deployment. While enhancing physical fitness is indeed a primary objective, the ultimate goal is to foster a sense of community and connection among first responders, Long explained, which then opens the door for meaningful conversation and assistance in other areas of overall well-being. Along with the increased physical fitness component, OKFRWD integrated mental health seamlessly into its program, offering an hour of mental health training alongside prescribed workouts. This creates a unique opportunity for first responders to complete their state-mandated mental health training outside of a traditional classroom setting. Moreover, OKFRWD incorporated sleep treatment beds, neurological stimulation, financial classes tailored for first responders, and more, to their comprehensive approach to wellness. “What we’re really about is preventative maintenance versus needing a rescue when your house is on fire,” Long said. “The byproduct is a healthier, more capable first responder.” The impact of the initiative is palpable. Counselor workloads have quadrupled in response to increased demand, signaling a growing acceptance and utilization of mental health services among first responders. And the deployment of mobile fitness trailers has not only facilitated physical training on-the-go, but also served as a platform for mental health awareness and support. Planting a seed for future growth “Being able to help OKFRWD push this initiative and impact lives for the better goes right along with our mission at BeaverFit,” said CJ Kostranchuk, director of key accounts, BeaverFit. “Our motto is ‘Winning Matters’ – what matters here is the human life, and winning means being able to get them the resources they need. We’re excited to be a part of something much bigger than ourselves.” Now, other state agencies are reaching out to OKFRWD for guidance on how they can start similar initiatives, and how they can receive funding for their own BeaverFit equipment. “The holistic approach – that’s the funding right there,” Long explained, noting there are government grants focused on health and wellness for the first responder community. “Focus on health and wellness. Yes, BeaverFit is a huge part of this and why it’s working, but it’s not just about working out.” “What we’re doing here collectively is planting a seed, and over the next few years we’re going to see that seed grow and replicate elsewhere,” he added. “It’s going to be a game changer,” Kostranchuk agreed. Learn more about the OKFRWD mission or get in touch by visiting their website, and see how they’re putting their BeaverFit units in action by following them on Instagram. Share this… FacebookFacebook Save Twitter
5 ways to upgrade your BeaverFit container gym
Training requirements can change. Your BeaverFit equipment can change with them. If you already have a Performance Locker, you don’t need to start from scratch when your mission or training needs evolve. Consider what would improve the training environment. Would more equipment allow more people to train at once? Do miss out on outdoor training days due to rain or high temperatures? Do you want to add new training modalities? Depending on your needs, space and budget, here are a few ways to level up your Locker and upgrade your training experience: 1. Replace and replenish equipment Did some of your kettlebells grow legs and walk away? Did your buddies get too Dam Strong and now you need more bumper plates? We’ve got you covered. Replenishing your outdoor-rated training accessories is only a call or email away. 2. Expand training capabilities with add-ons BeaverFit partners with innovative companies to create new training stations for your Locker. This includes: + Lifting platforms from American Platforms + Cable training system from Ancore + Infinity rope from Marpo + Weighted pulley system from Surplus Strength + Strength/resistance bands from Stroops + And more Contact us for a full list of available add-ons and learn how they can increase strength and functional training opportunities in your setup. 3. Add another Locker Need more training stations for additional personnel? Are you looking to incorporate different elements, like cardio equipment or recovery tools? Consider adding another Locker, with four purpose-built configurations to choose from: + Performance Locker: Our flagship product with external rigs running one or both sides of the container and integrated storage. + Cardio Locker: Multiple roll-up doors for air flow and off-grid cardio equipment. + Recovery Locker: Recovery specific external rigs, roll-up doors and a custom interior including steel benches with integrated storage and shelving for foam rollers and yoga mats. + Storage Locker: Roll-up doors and integrated storage. Whether it’s more training stations, more storage, or new modalities to enhance your human performance environment, we’ll be sure you get what you need. 4. Add a container-mounted shelter Don’t let inclement weather determine whether or not you get outside for a workout. The BeaverFit SunPro is an open-ended structure offering protection from the elements, allowing for more training days and longevity of equipment. It creates a training environment up to 15° F cooler than in direct sunlight, and can be fully engineered to meet local wind, snow and seismic loads. The SunPro can be added to new or existing Lockers, or be mounted to the ground – we’ll help you find the best solution to go along with what you already have. 5. Build a container-based Inclined Skills Trainer Push the limits with real training for real readiness. Turn otherwise flat terrain into an environment that supports incline-based training. BeaverFit Inclined Skills Trainers are purpose-built to assess, enhance and refine strength, endurance and responsiveness, and can be built atop existing Performance Lockers. Get in touch For those with a mission that matters, we create unique training environments that enable you to win. Let’s build on what you have to create the space you need. Email Us Share this… FacebookFacebook Save Twitter
UCSD, Clemson expand campus rec offerings with BeaverFit
The University of California San Diego is the latest college campus to get Dam Strong with the addition of a BeaverFit Performance Locker to their outdoor fitness space. Just several months prior, Clemson University expanded their own campus recreation offerings with the purchase of a Beyond Trailer. These two schools join dozens more who have upgraded their programming with innovative outdoor and mobile solutions by BeaverFit. “We continue to see colleges, universities and even high schools lead the way with outdoor fitness, as they seem to really grasp the value it provides to their students, faculty and community,” said Nick Vay, VP of commercial sales at BeaverFit. “Not only does it solve a common problem – growing student populations but limited and often aging recreation space – but it brings students together and forms connections, having an impact on their health and wellbeing.” Clemson University Beyond Trailer Benefits of campus recreation According to a report compiled by NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation, student participation in campus recreation activities is linked to: + Higher grade point averages than nonparticipants + Favoring a healthy lifestyle after college + Greater benefits to overall wellness including physical/psychosocial health and learning outcomes Additionally, campus recreation programming has a positive impact on student retention. University of San Diego: Performance Locker UCSD found BeaverFit through Advanced Exercise, commercial fitness facility provider and trusted distributor for BeaverFit, while searching for a weatherproof integrated storage solution and rustproof squat racks able to withstand the outdoor elements, especially for a campus that is just miles from the ocean. “What we found in the Performance Locker checked all the boxes,” said Alexia Cervantes, associate director of recreation, fitness and wellness at UCSD. “The ability to customize the color and add our logo was another big factor in choosing BeaverFit.” UCSD Performance Locker The solution for UCSD includes a 20’ Performance Locker with custom rigging on three sides providing the ability for both standard strength training and functional training. The Locker features a roll-up door for easy and secure access to equipment stored inside. The custom rigging creates dedicated spaces for squats, bench press, pull-ups, dips and more. “The Performance Locker meets our storage and training needs and looks amazing. People are drawn to it. Our usage at the Triton Fit Park has increased since installing it,” Cervantes said. “If you are considering developing or refurbishing an outdoor fitness space, I recommend you consider BeaverFit. They have many customizable solutions and a great team of dedicated professionals.” Alexia Cervantes Associate Director, Recreation, Fitness and Wellness, UCSD Previous Next Clemson University: Beyond Trailer Clemson University opted for a mobile solution, the Beyond Trailer, to meet students wherever they are on campus. The Beyond Trailer “gave us an outlet to provide fun fitness programming across our community, complementing our efforts to engage students in diverse ways,” said Kelly Bardusk, director of external relations for Clemson University Campus Recreation. “We can go to them and provide them an opportunity to learn and connect,” added Tabitha Cooper, wellbeing coordinator. “Our focus is to increase and improve the wellbeing on our campus. Here, we pair the outdoors with physical activity.” Previous Next The Beyond Trailer 12’ trains 30+ individuals at once with fold-out strength racks, adjustable pull-up bars and roll-up doors for easy equipment access. Superior weatherproofing including hot-dip galvanized racks and powder coating means the Beyond Trailer may be used outdoors in any element. “The quality of the product, the support and resources that are included with the purchase, and the overall excitement around being active and outdoors is amazing.” Tabitha Cooper Wellbeing Coordinator, Clemson University Campus Recreation “Whether it’s one of our Performance Lockers, Shred Sheds or Beyond Trailers, we really value and love the work we get to do with campus rec programs,” Vay said. “It’s ultimately about getting more people healthy, moving and outdoors, and by working with schools to expand and bring their fitness offerings outside, or on the road, we can help them bring these visions to life.” Looking to expand your offerings into the outdoors? Check out our most popular outdoor solutions. Share this… FacebookFacebook Save Twitter