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
How BeaverFit is helping the Army operationalize H2F
The Holistic Health and Fitness initiative created a paradigm shift in Soldier readiness with its introduction in 2020. Once the H2F operating concept was released, Army units around the world had to overcome the obstacle of creating training spaces that met commander’s intent without obvious solutions. According to the Army, the ultimate vision of H2F is to provide each brigade with an H2F campus to include a Soldier Performance Readiness Center, AFT testing lanes and track, a terrain running course, sheltered strength training racks, and containerized strength equipment. Enter BeaverFit, with space and time saving solutions for all of the above. “We’re the defense contractor for the Soldier Weapon System,” said Michael Taylor, BeaverFit USA co-founder and veteran. “We’re here to surround that weapon system with the equipment and facilities needed to optimize them for resiliency and lethality under any mission essential task. That’s our clear vision.” “We’re not a commercial fitness company with solutions that have been designed for someone else that we’re trying to push to the military,” added Alex Roodhouse, BeaverFit USA co-founder and veteran. “We’re listening to the military’s requirements and designing solutions based on what is actually needed in the field.” Let’s take a look: Soldier Performance Readiness Center Army Need: A dedicated facility for units to facilitate and foster their H2F programs. BeaverFit Solution: As seen at Fort Jackson with the recently opened Drill Sergeant Timothy Kay SPRC, BeaverFit has the capability to convert unused indoor spaces into world-class human performance facilities for individual or group training and recovery sessions, along with specialized office areas for physical therapy, nutrition counseling and other H2F programs. And while converting underutilized indoor space is one way Army brigades are creating their SPRC facilities, BeaverFit also offers the capability to create new, standalone, fully-enclosed structures to fulfill Soldier readiness needs. The appearance of DoD imagery does not imply or constitute federal endorsement. Terrain running course Army Need: Courses that are designed to assess, develop and refine strength, endurance and responsiveness through a series of obstacles and varied terrain. BeaverFit Solution: BeaverFit offers custom created elements and course designs to improve mission-specific cardiovascular conditioning while actively engaging the mind and body of Soldiers, as seen at the Devil’s Field Obstacle Course on Fort Liberty. The appearance of DoD imagery does not imply or constitute federal endorsement. AFT testing lanes Army Need: A consistent environment to perform the Army Fitness Test at any time of year. BeaverFit Solution: The AFT testing field by BeaverFit creates a consistent and standardized testing environment, utilizing performance-grade turf to reduce the risk of training injuries. To enable year round AFT activities, BeaverFit also provides a shelter around the field to offer protection from the elements. BeaverFit AFT Storage Lockers are the final piece to the turnkey AFT testing environment. An open-air SunPro covers the 12-lane AFT field for U.S. Army South at Joint Base San Antonio from unrelenting sun, whereas a fully-enclosed structure with heating protects Soldiers using the 5-lane AFT field at Fort Devens from brutal Massachusetts winters. The appearance of DoD imagery does not imply or constitute federal endorsement. Sheltered strength training racks Army Need: Sheltered strength training racks to create a year round outdoor training area and while maintaining longevity of outdoor equipment. BeaverFit Solution: The tension fabric BeaverFit SunPro creates an 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 is mounted to BeaverFit Performance Lockers or to the ground, allowing battalions to build the ideal human performance training facility that meets their space and requirements. Containerized strength equipment Last but certainly not least, our flagship product. Army Need: Self-contained fitness units that allow training to be conducted anywhere the containers are placed. BeaverFit Solution: Known by the Army as the ‘gym-in-a-box,’ or simply as ‘The BeaverFit’, BeaverFit Performance Lockers are standard shipping containers custom-fabricated to include anchored training rigs and secure storage. Filled with outdoor-rated training accessories, they create a multi-modality training center that accommodates up to 90 people at once. Additionally, BeaverFit offers the AFT Storage Locker, specifically designed to hold the exact amount of AFT equipment required per lane, and the mobile AFT Storage Trailer. The appearance of DoD imagery does not imply or constitute federal endorsement. As the Army recently approved accelerating the fielding of H2F equipment and staff to 15 brigades per year, creating these solutions is a paramount priority for Army leaders. From standalone and mobile training solutions to indoor space conversions and facility builds from the ground-up, BeaverFit is creating new and innovative ways to help Soldiers train for whatever they need to prepare for, wherever they need to train. Discover the tools that power the Soldier Weapon System and learn how to operationalize your installation for H2F. Learn more Share this… FacebookFacebook Save Twitter