The MindGym located inside the McAdoo Fitness Center at Minot Air Force Base continues to offer Airmen a unique tool for strengthening mental fitness, stress regulation, and overall readiness. Since its launch in November 2024, the MindGym has become an increasingly recognized resource for Airmen seeking to improve focus, resilience, and performance in high-pressure environments.
The Lumena MindGym was introduced at Minot AFB as part of a broader Air Force Global Strike Command initiative. In spring 2024, General Thomas Bussiere explored funding to place a MindGym at each AFGSC installation, and by the end of fiscal year 2024, the technology was purchased for all AFGSC bases. Minot’s MindGym officially became available to Airmen on November 15, 2024.
According to Laurel Gram, Director of Integrated Prevention and Response at Minot AFB, the MindGym was designed to provide mental training in the same way traditional gyms support physical fitness. The system uses sensory deprivation and bio-responsive mindfulness sessions guided by light and sound to help users transition between mental states.
The MindGym is housed in a mirrored cube that immerses users in low-sensory lighting and ambient sound. Wearable technology tracks stress levels and other biometric responses, providing feedback on how the body and brain respond during sessions. The system also adapts over time, remembering individual users and tailoring future sessions to their goals and preferences.
Unlike traditional classroom or instructor-led training, the MindGym operates through a user-friendly kiosk and requires no facilitator. Airmen can book sessions directly from their phones and use the system during McAdoo Fitness Center hours, allowing integration into daily schedules without disrupting mission requirements.
Sessions focus on developing skills such as stress regulation, focus, nervous system control, and rapid transitions from stress to rest. Both guided and unguided options are available, and new Air Force, specific training sessions continue to be added. The goal, Mrs. Gram said, is to help Airmen build “mental muscle memory” that supports performance in operational and real-world scenarios.
Mental fitness has become an increasing priority across the Air Force, and the MindGym supports that focus by offering measurable feedback through pre- and post-session cognitive tasks. These assessments allow users to track changes in reaction time and task accuracy.
While Minot AFB continues to build its own usage data, studies conducted by Lumena at Hill Air Force Base have shown measurable benefits. Participants in those studies demonstrated improved reaction time and accuracy under stress, reduced stress levels, and improved mood after MindGym sessions. Self-reported outcomes also included better sleep, improved workouts, stronger focus, and improved work-life transitions.
At Minot, Mrs.Gram said feedback from Airmen has been largely positive. Those who have shared their experiences most often report decreased anxiety, reduced stress, and improved ability to focus.
The MindGym complements existing resilience and mental health resources available on base, offering another avenue for Airmen to support their overall wellness. Discussions are currently in early stages regarding the potential addition of a second MindGym at Minot AFB, reflecting growing interest and engagement.
Mrs.Gram said the long-term goal remains clear: to reinforce the idea that mental fitness is just as essential as physical fitness. As awareness continues to grow, the MindGym remains available to Airmen looking to strengthen both mind and mission readiness.
Airmen interested in experiencing the MindGym firsthand are encouraged to visit the McAdoo Fitness Center during regular hours of operation to book a session. The MindGym remains available as a free resource for eligible users at Minot Air Force Base, offering Airmen another opportunity to invest in their mental fitness and overall readiness.
