Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) & Johns Hopkins University (JHU) recently hosted a workout and physical health and wellness expo for a group of wounded veterans at the university’s workout facilities.
Among the attendees was Army veteran Mark Mills; he served 17 years before being medically discharged.
“I knew what I wanted to learn coming into this event – nutrition,” he said. “And that’s exactly what happened. The chef taught us some helpful techniques. My wife and mom both had surgery last month, and I’ve been taking care of them.”
“Learning those healthy recipes and fast cooking techniques couldn’t have come at a better time. I also want to lose some weight; I’m currently at 196 pounds, but my long-term goal is to get down to 186.”
While nutrition is a big component of healthy living, WWP’s physical health and wellness programs also focus on fitness training. WWP frequently hosts a variety of these gatherings across the nation that aid in physical and mental recovery from the invisible wounds of war.
In a WWP survey of the injured warriors it serves, more than half of survey respondents (51.7 percent) talked with fellow veterans to address their mental health issues, and 29.6 percent expressed physical activity helps.
“The only person I knew at first was a Wounded Warrior Project staff member,” Mark said.
“But I enjoyed getting to meet the other veterans. Their perspective on post-military life is similar to mine because they face the same challenges as me. I was glad to exchange numbers with them so we can stay connected.”
Warriors participated in a circuit of exercises focusing on different areas of the body at varying levels of intensity. Like other WWP fitness gatherings, the workout was in an environment that accommodates physical injuries and social anxieties.
(Learn More about WWP, courtesy of Wounded Warrior Project and YouTube)
Depending upon the needs and comfort levels of each warrior, WWP staff offered instructions on modifications that improved the workout.
“The expo was very well organized,” Mark said.
“The staff did a great job explaining the techniques and getting us ready for the workout. The training was intense, and I knew the workout was going to be a challenge. It was nice exercising with a small group and having a chance to progress at our own pace.”
Beyond the workout and nutrition coaching, there was another element to the expo that Mark found useful –inspiration.
“One of the most amazing parts of the day was meeting the JHU lacrosse coach,” Mark said.
“We got to hear his personal story and how he motivates his team. It sounds corny, but I was quite inspired by it. Getting off the couch and staying motivated can be tough, but JHU and Wounded Warrior Project gave me some great information.”
“I can’t wait to apply what I learned to my weight loss goals.”
WWP offers programs and services that assist veterans with mental health, physical health and wellness, career and benefits counseling, and connecting with other warriors and their communities.
