Non-Mission Critical: That was the determination made by the 5th Force Support Squadron (FSS) regarding a Group Fitness Program Contract on Minot AFB. On Friday, June 27 the MAFB community was informed that the group fitness programs being offered through the McAdoo Fitness Center on base, would be no more. The decision impacts spouses, active-duty members, and the trainers who helped bring these classes to the base. A source of mental, physical, and social support, the implications of the loss may not be fully appreciated for months.
The contract was held by Jennifer Jens, mil spouse, fitness industry veteran and owner of BeachLIFE Fitness. According to Jennifer, over the past 11 years BeachLIFE has offered close to 12,000 classes, employed nearly 100 instructors – many mil spouses themselves – and reached 125,000 participants through in person as well as virtual classes. While the value of the contract was not disclosed she stated that she believed it was in the bottom one percent of all contracts on Minot AFB. The Northern Sentry reached out for a statement from FSS who had yet to acknowledge the cuts on their own social media. But, as of the writing of this article, no official comment or statment has been issued.
“We first found out about our Termination [the 26th of June] – one day before we were able to announce it to our team and to our community. This was two business days prior to the date of cancellation,” shared Jennifer. She added that while many contracts were ‘on the chopping block’ due to an Executive (DOGE) order, she was under the impression that the final decision was made locally. Jennifer explained that, “this base was able to determine which programs/contracts to cut [and] FSS Leadership specifically chose to remove this one.”
Meanwhile the MAFB community was left reeling from the announcement. For many, these classes allowed them to manage stress, build community, and work on their fitness goals. Some active-duty members and dependents have taken to social media to express both their appreciation for the classes as well as the shock and confusion in wake of the decision.
Mil spouse Rebecca Dent posted a comment on Facebook saying, “The idea of having to travel to Minot city is incredibly inconvenient for many of us, especially with our busy schedules. Plus, the classes that allow us to bring our children have been a lifesaver for a lot of parents! Losing these programs feels like losing a vital support system.”
Gianna Brockhoff commented that, “My husband and I have been attending the cycle class on Monday nights and it has been a good way for us to connect after a long work day and release the stress from our day. I am so sad about this decision.”
Not just for spouses, classes were attended by active-duty members as well. One class that ran through 2018, Fit-to-Fight, was specifically designed to help service members meet and exceed the Air Force’s fitness standards. Squadrons could even request a class be offered for their own fitness program to mix up the routine. And with more rigorous PT standards headed their way, service members now have one less tool to help them prepare.
Many resources are thrown toward mental health at remote locations with seasonal extremes such as MAFB. As the saying goes, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ According to National Institute of Health (NIH) and military health studies, base fitness programs are linked to a 34-45% increase in PT pass rates, and 50% fewer musculoskeletal injuries. Group classes in particular are known to reduce depressive symptoms by up to 40% in active duty members, with those participating in a structured fitness program reporting a 28% reduction in anxiety in just three months. According to numerous public health studies, fitness improves sleep quality, combats burnout, and provides a healthy outlet for stress. Many unit commanders likely agree that these are desirable goals for not just their Airmen but for families as well. Keeping families happy and engaged in community is, after all, also essential to bringing in and retaining the best Airmen.
Jennifer’s message: “Access to structured, consistent fitness programming on military installations isn’t just a benefit it’s a necessity… when we make wellness accessible, we create a stronger force mentally, physically, and operationally.”
As to the team that brought these classes to the community – Jennifer asserted that, “Our staff, coaches and trainers will continue to share their light and passion for well-being in this community. Our program will remain ready to activate if the time comes. We remain hopeful that as financial constraints are lessened and the importance of this type of service is realized, we will be allowed to serve MAFB again!”
