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BALANCE Strategy

The Canadian Armed Forces Physical Performance Strategy

Why a physical performance strategy?

Physical performance is an essential component of operational readiness. Research indicates that, to perform at your best, you need to be trained and fit, properly fueled, well-rested, and free from injury.

How will this happen?

The decision to be active, eat healthy, adopt proper sleep habits or train safely lies with you. Small changes, like cycling or walking to work, getting an extra hour of sleep per night, eliminating junk food from your diet, proper warm-up to avoid injury can make a big difference. Infrastructure, like new bicycle racks and walking paths on bases, and policies that support healthy, safe, active living will make it easier for you. At the national level, a steering committee made up people from all commands will oversee the plan and take on national activities to support you in meeting the objectives.

The BALANCE Strategy is designed to enhance our culture of fitness, and improve operational effectiveness through Performance 4 (P4) behaviours.

Physical Performance:
  1. INJURY PREVENTION
  2. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
  3. SLEEP/ REST
  4. PERFORMANCE NUTRITION
  • What are we trying to accomplish?
    The BALANCE Strategy is designed to enhance our culture of fitness, and improve operational effectiveness through Performance 4 (P4) behaviours.

    Physical Performance:
    1. INJURY PREVENTION
    2. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
    3. SLEEP/ REST
    4. PERFORMANCE NUTRITION

Resources

There are numerous health benefits associated with physical activity, which include reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Physical activity further improves cardiovascular health, strength and overall wellbeing.

Promoting an active lifestyle in and around the workplace begins by creating an awareness of the benefits of certain activities and then encouraging their adoption as part of one’s day-to-day routine. The following document, Promoting Physical Activity in the Workplace, describes each initiative, how to implement it, and gives an idea of the behavioural impact that could be expected once in place. Be part of making BALANCE, the Canadian Armed Forces Physical Performance strategy, a success.

Resources for leadership, BALANCE strategy committee members and those looking to help create change.