Veterans Pound Their Way to Fitness with Wounded Warrior Project

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Nov 06, 2019, 11:05 ET

PHOENIX, Nov. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Navy veteran Jennifer Tanner was in a hospital bed in Norfolk, Virginia, the first time Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) reached out to her. After recovering from injuries sustained in a vehicle accident, WWP was there to help her prepare for the physical and emotional difficulties she would face in the coming years.

A recent pound fitness workout – where participants use drumsticks to mark the beat as they do aerobic exercises – gave warriors a chance to pound their way to fitness and make new connections.

“Through health and wellness activities, I have friends I can call,” Navy veteran Jennifer Tanner said. “Wounded Warrior Project has enabled me to stay connected and not isolate myself – and work through my demons with other veterans.” — A recent pound fitness workout – where participants use drumsticks to mark the beat as they do aerobic exercises – gave warriors a chance to pound their way to fitness and make new connections. “Through health and wellness activities, I have friends I can call,” Navy veteran Jennifer Tanner said. “Wounded Warrior Project has enabled me to stay connected and not isolate myself – and work through my demons with other veterans.”

"I needed a community," Jennifer said. "I was scared and never left my apartment. Wounded Warrior Project allows me to experience new things to discover my interests while being safe and among other vets. I keep coming back because it is family."

Today, Jennifer is physically active and socially engaged through WWP wellness events and other activities that have helped her build a network of support. A recent pound fitness workout – where participants use drumsticks to mark the beat as they do aerobic exercises – gave her a chance to pound her way to fitness and make new connections.

"Through health and wellness activities, I have friends I can call," Jennifer said. "Wounded Warrior Project has enabled me to stay connected and not isolate myself – and work through my demons with other veterans."

To maintain an active lifestyle, Jennifer has also participated in other WWP wellness, sports, and peer support activities.

Jennifer said this was the first time she tried a pound fitness workout, and she enjoyed it because she felt challenged to follow the instructor at a fast pace, use different muscle groups, and learn new movements.

Warriors, and their families, are experiencing the links between physical and mental well-being. WWP provides services in both physical and mental health to help warriors thrive in their communities.

In a WWP survey of the wounded warriors it serves, 30% expressed physical activity is one of the things that helps them cope with stress and emotional concerns.

Learn more about how programs like this help warriors manage mental health through physical activity and connecting with others.

About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers – helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project