5 fitness hacks for military spouses living in temporary housing

Military life brings its fair share of challenges, and one of the most significant obstacles for spouses is maintaining a consistent fitness routine, especially during temporary housing or frequent relocations. Fall, with its crisp air and changing leaves, provides the perfect opportunity to renew your commitment to fitness. 

However, the lack of a permanent home, unfamiliar surroundings, and limited access to a gym can make it feel impossible to stay on track. The good news? There are plenty of affordable, efficient workout solutions that can help you maintain your fitness goals while embracing the transient lifestyle.

1. Create a mobile-friendly workout routine

When living in temporary housing, it’s crucial to have a workout routine that doesn’t rely on expensive equipment or a full gym setup. Instead, focus on creating a mobile-friendly routine that you can do anywhere, whether you’re in a small apartment, military lodging, or even an outdoor space.

What you can do

Bodyweight exercises

Squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks are excellent bodyweight exercises that require no equipment but still provide a full-body workout. These exercises target all the major muscle groups and can be modified for different fitness levels.

Resistance bands

These affordable and portable tools can be used for a wide range of strength-training exercises. They’re small enough to pack in a suitcase, making them perfect for military families who are always on the move.

Tabata or HIIT workouts

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Tabata workouts can be done in under 30 minutes and provide an intense cardiovascular and strength workout. Set a timer and alternate between 20 seconds of work and 10 seconds of rest for exercises like burpees, mountain climbers, and jump squats.

Pro tip: Use a fitness app like Nike Training Club or FitOn, which offers a variety of bodyweight and minimal-equipment workouts that can be done anywhere.

2. Take advantage of outdoor spaces

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, especially as temperatures start to cool down. Temporary housing often comes with the added benefit of being near parks, walking trails, or even the base’s fitness track.

Outdoor fitness hacks

Walking and running

Whether you’re at a military base or in temporary housing, there’s likely a park or trail nearby. Walking or running outside is an excellent way to maintain cardiovascular health without needing a gym membership. Plus, fall scenery can make the experience more enjoyable.

Outdoor circuit training

Use park benches, playgrounds, or stairs for your workout. For example, you can do step-ups on a bench, tricep dips using the edge of a stair, or sprints in an open field.

Family fitness

Involve the whole family in outdoor activities like hiking, biking or playing soccer in the park. This is a great way to stay active while spending quality time together.

Pro Tip: Base fitness centers may also offer outdoor fitness programs, such as boot camps or yoga classes, that cater to military families. Check with your local installation’s recreation center for free or low-cost outdoor fitness opportunities.

3. Use affordable, at-home fitness gear

Just because you’re in temporary housing doesn’t mean you can’t create a functional workout space. You don’t need an expensive home gym setup to stay fit; a few versatile pieces of equipment can go a long way.

Recommended at-home fitness gear

Jump rope

An inexpensive and portable option that provides an excellent cardiovascular workout. Jumping rope for just 10 minutes can burn as many calories as running an eight-minute mile.

Dumbbells or kettlebells

If you have space, a small set of dumbbells or a kettlebell can be used for strength training. Look for adjustable dumbbells, which are compact and allow you to change the weight based on your exercise.

Yoga mat

A high-quality yoga mat is essential for stretching, core work, and floor exercises. Mats also provide extra comfort if you’re working out on hard surfaces like hotel floors or concrete patios.

Pro Tip: Keep equipment minimal but functional. A jump rope, a set of resistance bands, and a yoga mat are more than enough to keep you fit without overwhelming your living space.

4. Explore online fitness classes

Thanks to technology, military spouses no longer need to rely on in-person gym classes to stay fit. There are thousands of online fitness classes that cater to various workout styles, skill levels, and preferences. Whether you enjoy yoga, Pilates, dance, or high-intensity training, there’s something for everyone.

Affordable online fitness options

YouTube workouts

Channels like Yoga with Adriene, Fitness Blender, and POPSUGAR Fitness offer free, high-quality workouts that can be done from the comfort of your living room.

Subscription-based platforms 

For more structure, consider affordable subscription services like Beachbody on Demand*or Peloton Digital, which provide access to a wide range of fitness classes from strength training to meditation. These platforms often offer free trials, making it easy to test them out before committing.

Pro tip: Many platforms have options for beginner-friendly workouts that require no equipment, making them perfect for military spouses in temporary housing.

5. Prioritize stretching and mobility

Moving frequently can be stressful on your body, especially after long hours of packing, driving, or flying. Incorporating stretching and mobility exercises into your daily routine can reduce muscle tension, improve flexibility, and prevent injuries.

Simple mobility routine

Foam rolling

A foam roller can work wonders for sore muscles. Rolling out your legs, back, and shoulders after a workout or a long day of moving boxes will help speed up recovery.

Dynamic stretching

Before workouts, use dynamic stretches like leg swings, arm circles, and torso twists to warm up your muscles and improve your range of motion.

Yoga

Practicing yoga can help you stay grounded during stressful moves and improve both flexibility and strength. Apps like Down Dog offer customizable yoga routines that you can tailor to your experience level and workout time frame.

Pro Tip: Dedicate 10-15 minutes each day to stretching or mobility work. This can help relieve stress and tension, which often build up during moves or deployments.

Living in temporary housing can make it hard to establish a consistent fitness routine. Instead of focusing on long-term fitness goals, break your objectives into smaller, manageable tasks. Whether it’s committing to a 20-minute walk each day or completing a full workout three times a week, smaller goals are easier to stick with during periods of transition.

Balancing fitness with the demands of military life, especially while living in temporary housing, may seem challenging, but it’s entirely possible with the right mindset and tools. Whether you’re working out with minimal equipment, getting outside to enjoy the fall weather, or streaming online fitness classes, there are countless ways to stay active and healthy. By incorporating these fitness hacks into your routine, military spouses can prioritize self-care and maintain a sense of normalcy, no matter where they’re stationed.