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9 Fitness Tips for Veterans in the New Year

With a blend of discipline and budgeting, 2024 can bring in a new you

Laurence Minsky,

AARP Veteran Report

Published November 27, 2023

Two friends high five while working out in a gym

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It’s been shown repeatedly that those with military experience are motivated and disciplined. Why not embrace these traits to get fit?

You can achieve your goals without breaking the bank and a new year is always a good time to start.

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Here are some practical tips for veterans to get fit while staying on budget:

1. Find a workout battle-buddy

The hardest part of getting fit is often just keeping to your routine. That's where a workout battle-buddy could be helpful.

When motivation wanes, veterans can rely on each other as workout battle-buddies. The knowledge that a workout partner is waiting is often all the motivation that they need to stay fully committed.

Partnering with a friend who shares your fitness goals ensures you will show up at the gym, even on those days when your individual motivation might be lacking.

2. Challenge yourself

Veterans thrive on challenges. Set fitness goals. Whether it's running a race, playing a sport, or getting back to your basic training weight, having a clear objective is a powerful motivator.

A group of veteran friends could, for example, set a goal to run a half-marathon — training together, supporting each other and celebrating their achievement as a team.

When you have a specific goal, you’ll have something to aim for.

3. Embrace veteran discounts

Joining a local gym can be the perfect way to start your fitness journey. The good news: Many of them offer special rates to veterans, so you can access a top-notch facility without straining your budget.

Don't forget to score veteran discounts on athletic shoes and apparel as well at various retailers near you.

4. Get your golf game on

Golf can be a fun way to stay fit and active, while enabling you to enjoy the great outdoors. An extra incentive: Many courses across America offer veterans discounts on greens fees.

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You can also use veteran discounts to save on golf attire and clubs. For instance, Callaway offers a 15 percent discount while VKTRY gives the military 25 percent off golf clubs — and you can too.

5. Work out while giving back

Turning volunteer work into a fitness routine is an excellent way to stay active while giving back to the community.

How? By joining an organization such as Team Red, White & Blue. With Team RWB, you focus on building a healthier lifestyle through monthly missions and other events.

6. Leverage a high-tech workout

Use fitness trackers or smartphone apps to monitor your progress. These tools provide valuable feedback that can help you push your limits and track improvement. Many veterans, find this data-driven approach highly motivating.

7. Join a veterans sports league

If you miss the camaraderie and teamwork from your military service, consider joining a local sports league or club that caters to veterans.

Playing sports with fellow veterans can rekindle the bonds of service while keeping you fit and active. If you’re disabled, there are great adaptive sports programs that will even pay for your equipment to compete.

8. Stay flexible with yoga

Yoga is an excellent way to maintain flexibility and relieve stress. Many yoga studios offer discounts for veterans or even free classes.

9. Consult a professional

A personal trainer can help you set up a tailored workout plan to achieve your fitness goals. A little push and guidance from an expert can make all the difference.

Bottom line: The journey to fitness is often a blend of discipline, camaraderie, and savvy budgeting. By using your veteran discounts, setting achievable goals, staying accountable and exploring different avenues you can stay active, healthy, and motivated in the new year — and beyond.

Laurence Minsky is a professor at Columbia College Chicago and has written over 10 bestselling books, most of them on marketing and advertising. He is deeply involved in the military veteran space, including advising AARP and advance the missions for a wide range of veteran non-profit and healthcare organizations.

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