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Fitness Training

CAF Women and Gender-Diverse Physical Fitness and Wellness Program

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The Women and Gender-Diverse Physical Fitness and Wellness Program, also known as the Women’s Wellness (WW) program, supports the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in achieving its commitment to increase the representation of women in the military. By focusing on recruitment, retention and overall wellness, the program aims to enhance the overall fitness and health of women in the CAF, while being inclusive of gender-diverse members who may also benefit. In collaboration with Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS), CFMWS/PSP will provide a variety of improved, enhanced and tailored programs under the overarching WW program to meet the unique needs of these members.

Key program outcomes for CAF members: 

  • Physical readiness: Supporting with occupational and operational training preparation, including Pre-Basic Military Training.
  • Injury prevention: Reducing susceptibility to musculoskeletal injuries.
  • Life stage support: Assisting CAF members during pregnancy and postpartum.
  • Lifelong wellness: Addressing aging and gender-specific stages like menopause and osteoporosis prevention.

The various phases of the program will be rolled out over the next three years. The WW program will provide relevant, targeted and evidence-based physical fitness and wellness support that addresses the specific needs of women to support CAF members throughout the different stages of their careers.

Women's Wellness Continuum*

  • RECRUITMENT AND BASIC TRAINING
    For new CAF recruits, the Pre-Basic Military Training (Pre-BMT) Fitness Training Program aims to establish a minimum level of physical fitness needed to optimize performance and reduce injury risk during BMQ.
  • 1ST POSTING (18-25 YEARS)
    This stage will focus on enhancing occupational-related fitness training by optimizing and increasing lean body mass. *Future development
  • DEPLOYMENT (25-40+ YEARS)
    This stage will include targeted interventions related to operational and occupational requirements. *Future development
  • PRENATAL AND POSTPARTUM PROGRAMS (PNP3)
    Offered nationally, the PNP3 is a fitness and wellness program for CAF members during the specific life stages of pregnancy and postpartum during maternal/parental leave (up to 18 months postpartum). To register, go to PNP3.
  • PROMOTION/ BACK AT THE DESK (40-50+ YEARS)
    This stage will provide health-related physical training to support healthy weight and promote maintenance of lean body mass, and support through gender-specific development phases such as perimenopause and menopause. *In development for 2025-2026
  • MATURING (50+ YEARS)
    This stage will offer menopause and post-menopause physical training resources. Evidence-based programming to ensure longevity and protection against female-specific health matters such as osteoporosis and sleep disturbance. *In development for 2025-2026 
  • RETIRING
    This stage will work towards and support physical fitness and wellness goals in retirement. *Future development

*Future development: This indicates that the program is planned but unavailable. It will be developed and implemented at a later date.
 *In development for 2025-2026: This specifies that the program is currently being developed and is expected to be available during the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Statement
The Women and Gender-Diverse Physical Fitness and Wellness Program acknowledges that not all individuals use the same terms to describe their experiences. While we use terms like ‘women’ and ‘gender-diverse’ in our materials, we are committed to using the language that each individual prefers in personal communication and interpersonal program offerings. We recognize that not all individuals who could take advantage of this program identify as ‘women’. Therefore, we strive to be inclusive of everyone who may benefit from this program offering. We acknowledge that this can be exclusionary, but if a member feels they could gain from it, we encourage them to contact us. As this program grows, we are committed to adapting it to be as inclusive as possible, respectful of race, gender identity, ability, or any other personal characteristic of the CAF member.

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