Military life comes with its own set of challenges, but one of the biggest hurdles for spouses is maintaining consistent fitness habits, especially during temporary housing and frequent relocation. Autumn, with its crisp air and changing leaves, is the perfect time to renew your fitness commitment.
But with no permanent home, unfamiliar surroundings, and limited access to a gym, staying on track can feel impossible. The good news? There are many affordable and efficient workout solutions that can help you maintain your fitness goals while embracing a temporary lifestyle.
1. Create a mobile-friendly workout routine
If you’re living in temporary housing, it’s important to develop a workout routine that doesn’t rely on expensive equipment or a well-equipped gym. Instead, focus on creating mobile-friendly routines that you can perform anywhere, including your small apartment, military quarters, and outdoor spaces.
What you can do
body weight training
Squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks are great bodyweight exercises that give you a full-body workout without the need for equipment. These exercises target all major muscle groups and can be modified to suit different fitness levels.
resistance bands
These affordable, portable tools can be used for a variety of strength training exercises. It’s small enough to pack into a suitcase, making it perfect for military families who are always on the go.
Tabata or HIIT training
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and Tabata training can be performed in less than 30 minutes and provide intense cardiovascular and strength training. For exercises like burpees, mountain climbers, and jump squats, set a timer and alternate between 20 seconds of work and 10 seconds of rest.
Pro tip: Fitness apps like Nike Training Club and FitOn offer a variety of bodyweight and minimal equipment workouts that can be done anywhere.
2. Make use of your outdoor space
Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, especially as temperatures begin to drop. Temporary housing often comes with the added benefit of being close to parks, walking trails, and even the base’s fitness track.
outdoor fitness hacks
walking and running
Whether you’re on a military base or in temporary housing, there’s probably a park or trail nearby. Walking or running outdoors is a great way to maintain cardiovascular health without a gym membership. Additionally, the autumn scenery makes the experience even more enjoyable.
outdoor circuit training
Use park benches, playgrounds, or stairs for exercise. For example, you can do step-ups on a bench, use the edge of a staircase to do tricep dips, or do sprints in an open field.
family fitness
Get the whole family involved in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or playing soccer in the park. This is a great way to stay active while spending quality time together.
Pro tip: Base fitness centers may also offer outdoor fitness programs such as boot camp and yoga classes for military families. Contact your local facility recreation center for free or low-cost outdoor fitness opportunities.
3. Use affordable home fitness equipment
Just because you’re in temporary housing doesn’t mean you can’t create a functional training space. You don’t need to set up an expensive home gym to stay healthy. A few versatile pieces of equipment can go a long way.
Recommended home fitness equipment
skipping rope
It’s an inexpensive, portable option that provides a great cardiovascular workout. Jumping rope for just 10 minutes can burn as many calories as running an 8-minute mile.
dumbbell or kettlebell
If you have the space, you can use a set of small dumbbells or kettlebells for strength training. Look for adjustable dumbbells that are compact and allow you to change the weight depending on the exercise.
yoga mat
A high-quality yoga mat is essential for stretching, core training, and floor exercises. Mats also provide extra comfort when training on hard surfaces such as hotel floors or concrete patios.
Pro tip: Keep your equipment minimal but functional. A skipping rope, a set of resistance bands, and a yoga mat are all you need to stay fit without taking up too much living space.
4. Explore online fitness classes
Thanks to technology, military spouses no longer need to rely on in-person gym classes to stay healthy. There are thousands of online fitness classes for different workout styles, skill levels, and preferences. Whether it’s yoga, Pilates, dance or high-intensity training, there’s something for everyone.
Affordable online fitness options
YouTube workout
Channels like Yoga with Adriene, Fitness Blender, and POPSUGAR Fitness offer free, high-quality workouts from the comfort of your living room.
subscription-based platform
If you want to get even more structured, consider affordable subscription services like Beachbody on Demand* and Peloton Digital, which offer access to a wide range of fitness classes from strength training to meditation. These platforms often offer free trials, so you can easily test them before committing.
Pro tip: Many platforms have beginner training options that don’t require equipment, perfect for military spouses in temporary housing.
5. Prioritize stretching and mobility
Traveling frequently can put stress on your body, especially after long hours of packing, driving, or flying. Incorporating stretching and mobility exercises into your daily routine can reduce muscle tension, improve flexibility, and prevent injury.
easy moving routine
foam rolling
Foam rollers work wonders for sore muscles. Stretching your legs, back, and shoulders after a workout or after boxing all day will help you recover faster.
dynamic stretching
Before your workout, warm up your muscles and increase your range of motion with dynamic stretches like leg swings, arm rotations, and torso twists.
yoga
Practicing yoga can help you stay grounded during stressful movements and improve both flexibility and strength. Apps like Down Dog offer yoga routines that can be customized to suit your experience level and workout time frame.
Pro tip: Dedicate 10 to 15 minutes each day to stretching and mobility exercises. This helps reduce stress and tension that often accumulates during travel and deployment.
Establishing a consistent fitness routine can be difficult when living in temporary housing. Rather than focusing on long-term fitness goals, break your goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. It’s easier to stick to smaller goals during the transition period, like walking 20 minutes every day or completing three full workouts a week.
Balancing fitness and the demands of military life may seem difficult, especially while living in temporary housing, but with the right mindset and tools, it’s entirely possible. Whether it’s working out with minimal equipment, getting outside to enjoy the fall weather, or streaming online fitness classes, there are countless ways to stay active and healthy. By incorporating these fitness hacks into their daily lives, military spouses can prioritize self-care and maintain a sense of normalcy no matter where they are stationed.
