Ready anywhere: How virtual wellness coaching fits military life

By Douglas Holl, Defense Health Agency-Public Health

Some service members may struggle to find time for their health and fitness goals while still meeting the many demands made on their schedules. The Armed Forces Wellness Center offers virtual health coaching to support military readiness, no matter where a client might be stationed. These AFWC virtual health programs provide personalized support without the burden of travel or scheduling conflicts.

Meeting clients where they are

For many service members, a demanding work schedule is the biggest barrier to staying fit and healthy. Army Master Sgt. Robert F. Nelson Jr., the logistics and supply noncommissioned officer in charge for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 23rd Quartermaster Brigade, at Fort Lee, Virginia, knows this struggle firsthand. He turned to virtual coaching to help him manage weight control. Because sessions take place over the phone or online, clients don't need to spend time traveling to the AFWC at their installation.

"Virtual appointments made it extremely easy to manage my work schedule, other appointments, and get information I needed to meet my fitness goals," said Nelson. "There are many times that the constraints of my schedule have prevented me from seeking and getting the help I needed. These options made needed classes and assistance accessible."

Real results on a flexible timeline

Through the virtual program, Nelson received nutrition coaching and classes on food preparation. He was also able to complete body composition appointments at the Fort Lee AFWC. The flexible plan allowed him to stay on track. He lost 26 pounds, lowered his body mass index, and developed a cheaper meal preparation routine.

"It has made exercising easier and more effective," Nelson noted. "It has lowered my body mass index, which has helped to improve my health and stay within the Army standards."

He described his virtual collaboration with his coach as encouraging and supportive. "The coaches are knowledgeable, supportive, and realistic about my goals," said Nelson. "They provide encouragement and realistic expectations."

No cookie-cutter plans here

Some service members may worry that virtual healthcare lacks a personal touch, but AFWC health educators prove otherwise. Amy Ingersoll, an AFWC health educator at Fort Drum, New York, found that virtual sessions help build stronger connections.

"We do a lot of our virtual encounters over the phone," said Ingersoll. "I’ve noticed it seems easier to build trust and rapport because clients tend to be more open about what is going on with them when they don't have someone looking right at them for an extended period of time."

Ingersoll emphasized that every virtual coaching plan is highly customized. There is no one-size-fits-all plan. Client challenges could be fitness related, but often she finds herself addressing nutrition concerns.

“These concerns could be related to how much or what they are eating, or how to implement meal planning or meal prepping into their schedule,” said Ingersoll. “I’m working with someone right now whose goals are to reduce their soda intake and increase their water intake. That is what’s so great about health coaching in general, virtual or in-person, it’s tailored to exactly what the individual wants to accomplish.”

The AFWC client and virtual coach can meet weekly, biweekly, or monthly depending on their needs. If a client’s unit schedule changes, their coach can easily shift an appointment.

"You don't get the same plan or action steps as other clients," Ingersoll explained. "You may have similar goals, but how you choose to get there is up to you. You are the expert on your life and your situation."

AFWC health educators focus on client success

Ingersoll enjoys seeing clients meet their health and fitness goals.

“I love seeing how excited clients are when they’ve met the goal they’ve set,” said Ingersoll. “It is 100% their hard work and diligence that get them from point A to point B; I’m just lucky enough to be a partner in the process.”

Nelson encouraged anyone on the fence about using the program to take the leap.

"I would recommend that they give it a try despite any hesitation,” said Nelson. “The staff is professional and focused on helping you achieve your goals."

All Military Health System beneficiaries are eligible for Armed Forces Wellness Center services. This includes active duty service members and their families, retirees and spouses, and Department of War civilians.

Potential clients can learn more about AFWC services, including virtual health coaching, and locate the site nearest their installation by searching “Armed Forces Wellness Center” on the FindDHA site.

The Defense Health Agency is a Combat Support Agency, serving as a force multiplier for the joint services by optimizing lethality through warfighter medical readiness.

NOTE: The mention of any non-federal entity and/or its products is for informational purposes only, and is not to be construed or interpreted, in any manner, as federal endorsement of that non-federal entity or its products.

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