US Air Force unit reveals new BeaverDome human performance facility
As Australia boosts defence capabilities, there’s a critical need for modern training solutions designed to ensure the Australian Defence Force is combat-ready. With over $30 billion allocated to strengthening northern bases over the next decade, procurement of state-of-the-art fitness solutions will be essential to support the objectives outlined in the defence plans. BeaverFit, the largest supplier of fitness and training solutions to U.S. and NATO militaries, offers a range of portable, semi-permanent, durable solutions that can be set up quickly and relocated if necessary. The aticle below showcases how BeaverFit supported the U.S. Air Force in creating a fully-enclosed, state-of-the-art fitness facility from the ground up. Contact us to learn more about bringing these proven capabilities to Australia. A roof logo so big it will be seen by planes using the landing strip nearby – that’s one of the requests the 5th Air Support Operations Squadron had for their new BeaverDome at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. BeaverFit accepted the challenge, and the newly opened 50 x 120-foot human performance facility boasts the 5th ASOS call sign “Lowlife” with a roof logo spanning the facility’s length. “Championship tactical athletes need to have venues where they can build their championship abilities. And when the Airmen walk in here, it is the man or woman in the arena – and this is where excellence gets built,” said retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. John W. Troxell, former senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during his remarks at the facility’s grand opening. When the 5th ASOS needed a state-of-the-art fitness facility to train Air Force tactical air control party members, they placed a call to BeaverFit – leading supplier of human performance and tactical training solutions to the U.S. military. The resulting solution is a fully-enclosed training facility – known as a BeaverDome – complete with electricity, HVAC and industrial ceiling fans. Six 40-foot BeaverFit Performance Lockers form the walls of the facility with internal equipment storage and rigging for strength and functional training, surrounded by custom rubber and turf flooring. The eight lifting stations boast custom floor logos and branding plates for 5th ASOS, Lowlife and TACP. Additionally, BeaverFit designed custom weight plates labeled with the squadron’s name and call sign. BeaverFit formed and poured a custom concrete pad to support the BeaverDome, which is built atop an existing asphalt parking lot. They positioned the concrete pad high enough to minimize water entering the space, and designed it with a one-degree slope for water runoff, since Washington is no stranger to rainy weather. Additionally, BeaverFit built two concrete ramps leading to the commercial roll-up garage doors at either end of the BeaverDome. Michael Hirsch, project manager at BeaverFit, said his favorite part of every project is the moment BeaverFit shows up to install the accessories and rigging, when “the customer is so amped to get into the facility and start training.” And amped they were. The 5th ASOS celebrated the grand opening in true military fashion – by getting straight to work in their new training space. “Seeing the thrill on the faces of all the Airmen and women within the unit was the best,” said Scott Wing, territory sales director for BeaverFit. “They were truly grateful for our efforts and the space turned out exactly how they had envisioned.” As with any custom build for a military customer, BeaverFit begins by listening to the unique scope and human performance requirements of the project. A team of product managers, facility design experts, engineers and fabricators work together to create equipment solutions that are designed to perform in the toughest training environments. BeaverFit provides overall project scoping, design, kitting and ongoing project management. Dedicated teams guide a project from the initiating and planning phases all the way through to execution and closing phases. “This BeaverDome is proof-positive that although these projects are cumbersome and require meticulous attention to detail, we have the capability and the vital partnerships in place to be able to execute quickly and effectively,” Wing said.
How BeaverFit is helping the US Army operationalize H2F
As Australia boosts defence capabilities, there’s a critical need for modern training solutions designed to ensure the Australian Defence Force is combat-ready. With over $30 billion allocated to strengthening northern bases over the next decade, procurement of state-of-the-art fitness solutions will be essential to support the objectives outlined in the defence plans. BeaverFit, the largest supplier of fitness and training solutions to U.S. and NATO militaries, offers a range of portable, semi-permanent, durable solutions that can be set up quickly and relocated if necessary. The article below showcases how BeaverFit helps the U.S. Army operationalise their Holistic Health and Fitness program through a variety of training equipment and environments. Contact us to learn more about bringing these proven capabilities to Australia. RENO, Nevada — The Holistic Health and Fitness initiative created a paradigm shift in Soldier readiness with its introduction in 2020. Once the H2F operating concept was released, U.S. Army units around the world had to overcome the obstacle of creating training spaces that met commander’s intent without obvious solutions. According to the Army, the ultimate vision of H2F is to provide each brigade with an H2F campus to include a Soldier Performance Readiness Center, ACFT testing lanes and track, a terrain running course, sheltered strength training racks, and containerized strength equipment. Enter BeaverFit, with space and time saving solutions for all of the above. “We’re the defense contractor for the Soldier Weapon System,” said Michael Taylor, BeaverFit USA co-founder and veteran. “We’re here to surround that weapon system with the equipment and facilities needed to optimize them for resiliency and lethality under any mission essential task. That’s our clear vision.” “We’re not a commercial fitness company with solutions that have been designed for someone else that we’re trying to push to the military,” added Alex Roodhouse, BeaverFit USA co-founder and veteran. “We’re listening to the military’s requirements and designing solutions based on what is actually needed in the field.” Let’s take a look: Soldier Performance Readiness Center Army Need: A dedicated facility for units to facilitate and foster their H2F programs. BeaverFit Solution: As seen at Fort Jackson with the recently opened Drill Sergeant Timothy Kay SPRC, BeaverFit has the capability to convert unused indoor spaces into world-class human performance facilities for individual or group training and recovery sessions, along with specialized office areas for physical therapy, nutrition counseling and other H2F programs. And while converting underutilized indoor space is one way Army brigades are creating their SPRC facilities, BeaverFit also offers the capability to create new, standalone, fully-enclosed structures to fulfill Soldier readiness needs. The appearance of DoD imagery does not imply or constitute federal endorsement. Terrain running course Army Need: Courses that are designed to assess, develop and refine strength, endurance and responsiveness through a series of obstacles and varied terrain. BeaverFit Solution: BeaverFit offers custom created elements and course designs to improve mission-specific cardiovascular conditioning while actively engaging the mind and body of Soldiers, as seen at the Devil’s Field Obstacle Course on Fort Liberty. The appearance of DoD imagery does not imply or constitute federal endorsement. ACFT testing lanes Army Need: A consistent environment to perform the Army Combat Fitness Test at any time of year. BeaverFit Solution: The ACFT testing field by BeaverFit creates a consistent and standardized testing environment, utilizing performance-grade turf to reduce the risk of training injuries. To enable year round ACFT activities, BeaverFit also provides a shelter around the field to offer protection from the elements. BeaverFit ACFT Storage Lockers are the final piece to the turnkey ACFT testing environment. An open-air SunPro covers the 12-lane ACFT field for U.S. Army South at Joint Base San Antonio from unrelenting sun, whereas a fully-enclosed structure with heating protects Soldiers using the 5-lane ACFT field at Fort Devens from brutal Massachusetts winters. The appearance of DoD imagery does not imply or constitute federal endorsement. Sheltered strength training racks Army Need: Sheltered strength training racks to create a year round outdoor training area and while maintaining longevity of outdoor equipment. BeaverFit Solution: The tension fabric BeaverFit SunPro creates an environment up to 15° F cooler than in direct sunlight and can be fully engineered to meet local wind, snow and seismic loads. The SunPro is mounted to BeaverFit Performance Lockers or to the ground, allowing battalions to build the ideal human performance training facility that meets their space and requirements. Containerized strength equipment Last but certainly not least, our flagship product. Army Need: Self-contained fitness units that allow training to be conducted anywhere the containers are placed. BeaverFit Solution: Known by the Army as the ‘gym-in-a-box,’ or simply as ‘The BeaverFit’, BeaverFit Performance Lockers are standard shipping containers custom-fabricated to include anchored training rigs and secure storage. Filled with outdoor-rated training accessories, they create a multi-modality training center that accommodates up to 90 people at once. Additionally, BeaverFit offers the ACFT Storage Locker, specifically designed to hold the exact amount of ACFT equipment required per lane, and the mobile ACFT Storage Trailer. The appearance of DoD imagery does not imply or constitute federal endorsement. As the Army recently approved accelerating the fielding of H2F equipment and staff to 15 brigades per year, creating these solutions is a paramount priority for Army leaders. From standalone and mobile training solutions to indoor space conversions and facility builds from the ground-up, BeaverFit is creating new and innovative ways to help Soldiers train for whatever they need to prepare for, wherever they need to train.
BeaverFit ignites a ‘SPRC’ with first US Army Soldier Performance Readiness Center
As Australia boosts defence capabilities, there’s a critical need for modern training solutions designed to ensure the Australian Defence Force is combat-ready. With over $30 billion allocated to strengthening northern bases over the next decade, procurement of state-of-the-art fitness solutions will be essential to support the objectives outlined in the defence plans. BeaverFit, the largest supplier of fitness and training solutions to U.S. and NATO militaries, offers a range of portable, semi-permanent, durable solutions that can be set up quickly and relocated if necessary. The article below showcases how BeaverFit supported the U.S. Army in converting an underutilised storage facility into a Soldier Performance Readiness Center designed for optimal human performance. Contact us to learn more about bringing these proven capabilities to Australia. FORT JACKSON, South Carolina — A brand new Soldier Performance Readiness Center built by BeaverFit opened here March 24. The SPRC is the first of its kind for the U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training. Around the same time, a shipment of more than 100 BeaverFit container gyms made their way across the country to various training schools and units, purchased by the U.S. Army CIMT. Previous Next “One of the Army’s main focus areas is H2F – or Holistic Health and Fitness,” said Bryan Studebaker, senior vice president of government programs at BeaverFit. “To that end, they are heavily investing in equipment and infrastructure that support this objective.” The cultural shift to H2F aims to improve Soldier and unit readiness by addressing five domains of readiness: physical, mental, spiritual, nutrition and sleep. To operationalize these domains, BeaverFit was recently awarded a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research contract to supply a variety of equipment and infrastructure in direct support of H2F. To date, BeaverFit has provided the Army solutions ranging from manufacturing more than 23,000 lanes of Army Combat Fitness Test equipment; supplying 2,000 expeditionary container gyms; converting indoor and outdoor spaces to provide designated areas for physical training, classroom education, rehabilitation and cognitive performance; and now – the CIMT’s first Soldier Performance Readiness Center. U.S. Army photos by 165th Infantry Brigade The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. A cultural shift The SPRC “represents a seismic shift” towards how the Army approaches how troops are trained, evaluated and sustained, said Brig. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, Fort Jackson’s commander. “It is an investment in individual Soldier preparedness.” The SPRC also helps overcome resource challenges Army units might face when developing an effective program to support the individual Soldier, because it acts as the centerpoint in which all activities are enabled. In simpler words, the SPRC provides the environment for the H2F ecosystem to thrive. Studebaker, a United States Air Force veteran himself, said BeaverFit is proud to stand behind this mission. “As a veteran owned and operated company, we see the opportunity to serve the military as a continuation of our duty to country,” he said. “We’re going to continue prioritizing solutions that support the growing needs and requirements of our military.” U.S. Army photos by Fort Jackson Public Affairs The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. Designing the Soldier Performance Readiness Center The SPRC project at Fort Jackson converted an unused facility into training space with two 50-foot modular rigs, a robust equipment package with an emphasis on team-based conditioning, rubber flooring for strength and conditioning, performance turf, a rope climb tower, sleds, yokes, weighted stretchers, BeaverFit squad logs and full complement of various low-impact cardio machines. Sam Hovig, BeaverFit government territory sales manager and United States Marine Corps veteran, said the SPRC introduces new recruits to H2F early in their careers and enables critical skill development they will carry throughout their time in the Army. “The Army has implemented H2F within FORSCOM at the operational units, and with this new training capability, recruits will have the positive impact of H2F early on and will build upon that as they get to their permanent duty stations,” he said. “What made this project unique was being very cognizant of the population that will be using it,” he explained. “The typical recruit likely does not have significant time under a barbell or proper coaching on foundational movement mechanics. This heavily influenced each portion of the facility design – from the modular rig to where recruits would be entering and exiting the facility – to ensure this space met the stated throughput needs, allowed for visibility from coaches at all times, and did not sacrifice any required training capabilities.” Previous Next Expanded options for H2F The container gyms for CIMT were purchased to outfit units with an expanded outdoor training solution beyond the available indoor space at their installation. The gym-in-a-boxes, as the Army knows them, may be placed directly beside unit headquarters or barracks, enabling easier access to training, camaraderie and esprit de corps. Army senior leaders have said the cost that goes along with H2F is “well worth the investment,” said Maj. Gen. John D. Kline, CIMT commander. “I will tell you that if we save a life (or) we save two lives, one would argue this is absolutely worth every penny.” Previous Next BeaverFit is the leading supplier of fitness equipment to the U.S. Armed Forces, from the original container gym solution to full-scale human performance and tactical training facilities. As an official provider of ACFT equipment, BeaverFit has supplied more than 23,000 lanes of equipment and developed innovative ACFT solutions to include the ACFT Storage Locker, the ACFT Storage Trailer and ACFT Shelters.
BeaverFit converts tennis court to custom outdoor training space for US Army South
As Australia boosts defence capabilities, there’s a critical need for modern training solutions designed to ensure the Australian Defence Force is combat-ready. With over $30 billion allocated to strengthening northern bases over the next decade, procurement of state-of-the-art fitness solutions will be essential to support the objectives outlined in the defence plans. BeaverFit, the largest supplier of fitness and training solutions to U.S. and NATO militaries, offers a range of portable, semi-permanent, durable solutions that can be set up quickly and relocated if necessary. The article below showcases how BeaverFit supported the U.S. Army with a turf training field and all-weather shelter. Contact us to learn more about bringing these proven capabilities to Australia. SAN ANTONIO – Outdoor training is about to get a lot more exciting for Soldiers attached to U.S. Army South at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. Upon receiving a request to convert an old, unused tennis court at the installation, BeaverFit designed a solution resulting in a 100 x 110-foot SunPro shelter that will support multiple battalions within ARSOUTH. The BeaverFit SunPro is an open-ended structure which provides protection from the elements, increasing both the number of workout days for those who train there and the longevity of equipment. The shelter is a fully customized, purpose-built facility designed specifically to enable unit training and Army Combat Fitness Test activities. The project’s first phase included resurfacing the tennis court, filling in and repairing all uneven surfaces. Once the surface was ready, the SunPro went up. More than 10,000 square feet of turf was installed next, including 12 lanes for conducting the ACFT. The professional grade performance turf provides a consistent and standard testing environment resulting in valid and accurate test results. Additionally, rubber flooring was installed around two 40′ BeaverFit Performance Lockers featuring custom rigging, providing training space for strength and conditioning. In the project’s second phase, BeaverFit added two 10′ Performance Lockers for storage and a driveway to gain access to the lockers. A fence with door code access, a gutter system with drainage connecting to the existing stormwater system, and mesh sun shades on two sides were also added. As with any custom build, BeaverFit begins by listening to the unique scope and fitness requirements of the requester. A team of product managers, design engineers and fabricators work together to create equipment solutions that are manufactured in the U.S. and designed to perform in the toughest training environments. BeaverFit provides overall project scoping, design, kitting and ongoing project management. Dedicated teams guide a project from the initiating and planning phases all the way through to execution and closing phases. BeaverFit is the leading supplier of human performance and tactical training solutions to support the success of the Human Weapon System. Veteran owned and operated, BeaverFit provides solutions that meet the requirements and needs of military units in any environment. From the original container gym solution to full-scale human performance and tactical training facilities, BeaverFit is the trusted partner in creating solutions to support the growing needs and requirements of our military.
The Warrior Soul Podcast – A Dam Strong Business: BeaverFit
BeaverFit USA co-founders Mike Taylor and Alex Roodhouse joined the Warrior Soul Podcast to discuss how BeaverFit started, their path from Navy Riverines to leading the largest fitness equipment supplier to the U.S. military.
Behind the Shield Podcast Episode 457 – Alex Roodhouse and Mike Taylor
BeaverFit USA co-founders Mike Taylor and Alex Roodhouse joined James Geering on his Behind the Shield podcast to discuss their journeys into the military, standing up an elite unit from scratch, training for the unknown, equipping the tactical athlete, training under stress and so much more. Behind The Shield · Mike Taylor and Alex Roodhouse – Episode 457
BeaverFit Performance Lockers at USAG Wiesbaden featured by U.S. Army
A recent delivery of a BeaverFit Performance Locker to U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden in Germany was featured in an article on the U.S. Army’s official website. An excerpt from the article states: To the common pedestrian, the mobile gym looks like an average shipping container, yet, it is so much more. The BeaverFit is a portable, self-contained, and low maintenance fitness system that includes all of the equipment required to train for and execute the new Army Combat Fitness Test. …“BeaverFit ACFT Locker” system goes one step further by providing the storage and equipment together. This testing and training system provides equipment for eight Soldiers to take the ACFT simultaneously or for 50 Soldiers to train together at any given time. Read the full article here.
Tactical Fitness Report #173 – Mike Taylor, Co-founder, BeaverFit USA
Stew Smith interviews BeaverFit USA co-founder Mike Taylor about tactical fitness and tactical fitness equipment manufacturing in episode 173 of the Tactical Fitness Report. They explore the benefits of BeaverFit personalized fitness equipment, the new Army ACFT equipment (jump to 17:40), mobile facilities for military, police, fire departments as well as creating commercial outdoor locations for fitness facilities, campus rec programs, and corporate campus locations.
Tactical Talk with Dr. Dan Bornstein – Jason Clark, BeaverFit
Jason Clark, Marine veteran and former Tactical Strength & Conditioning coach for the Marine HITT (High Intensity Tactical Training) program, joins Dr. Dan Bornstein, Founding Director of the Center for Performance, Readiness, Resiliency, and Recovery at The Citadel for an episode of Tactical Talk. They dive deep into the emerging field of strength and conditioning for tactical athletes.