Cincinnati Veterans compete in collaborative fitness challenge

Earlier this year, Cincinnati VA launched an innovative, Veteran-centric fitness challenge with teams of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Space Force Veterans reaching for their wellness goals.

The Six Service Challenge, a 10-week initiative, was a longtime vision for Associate Director Dr. Jim Hall. While VA offers a host of whole health, weight loss and fitness programs, the challenge took an innovative approach in leveraging VA data sharing platforms and wearable fitness trackers to create a dynamic, live competition environment for Veterans.

Technology powers innovative fitness competition

Veterans participating in the challenge were equipped with VA issued wearable fitness trackers that seamlessly pair with VA’s Share My Health Data mobile application. This integration allowed Veterans to track their steps, distance and energy burned with the data segmented by branch of service.

The challenge was made possible with support from VA’s Digital and Remote Health Center for Innovation, led by Dr. Lindsay Riegler and VA’s Office of Connected Care. “This collaboration empowered us to collect invaluable data on technology usage through wearables while Veterans monitored their steps as part of the challenge,” Riegler said.

Helping Veterans meet their health goals

With almost 100 participating Veterans, the challenge created a whole health movement which Cincinnati VA is excited to continue. “We wanted to create an environment where Veterans feel connected and motivated to improve their health,” said Dr. Shari Frensemeier, psychologist and chief of whole health.

VA health and wellness coaches were integral to the success of the challenge as they provided personalized guidance and support to the Veterans, helping them stay motivated to achieve their wellness goals.

The challenge also united Veterans with peers in their community, creating opportunities for them to create lasting social connections. Many teams organized group activities like nature walks and workouts. Throughout the challenge, Veterans responded to questionnaires to track improvements in their physical, mental and social well being.

Veterans who participated in the challenge shared testimonials about the positive impact it had on their lives. “I have lost 10 pounds and am feeling better. I also have been taken off four medications. I feel great,” one said.

“I have felt better on days prior to my illness, but I have exceeded expectations for myself and will go forward. The illness has increased my personal self-care motivations,” said another.

The challenge demonstrated an innovative use of technology to foster community among Veterans and help them achieve their health goals. For the Veterans who took part, it was a journey of self-discovery, resilience and renewed hope, one that continues to inspire and uplift all who were involved—Veterans and VA employees alike.