Muscle & Fitness: Fit to Serve

M&F's health & fitness series dedicated to the men and women who serve this country.

Muscle & Fitness

Muscle & Fitness: Fit to Serve

M&F's health & fitness series dedicated to the men and women who serve this country.

With our Fit to Serve series, Team M&F pays homage to the bravery, dedication, and heroism of all the men and women who serve our country as military personnel, firefighters, police officers, and first-responders. Spearheaded and curated by Muscle & Fitness Senior Military Editor MSgt Rob Wilkins, USAF, Ret., the goal of Fit to Serve is to tell the story behind each person’s fitness journey and career, as well as highlight the strategies used to train, eat, and stay motivated.

Fit to Serve

Pro Tips

Kari Miller-Ortiz Continues Pushing Her Fitness to New Levels

The Army veteran and adaptive athlete is thriving with new athletic endeavors.

Pro Tips

Nate Boyer Is Both Fit to Serve and Dedicated to Give Back

The Green Beret and football star is now helping veterans tackle mental health.

Pro Tips

Rob Wilkins Wants His Fellow Veterans to Stay Fit to Serve

M&F's military editor is leading the charge by example.

Pro Tips

Tanji Johnson Bridgeman’s Role as a Leader Was Forged in Service

The retired Air Force captain made a difference in the military and fitness.

Pro Tips

Xavisus Gayden is All About Military, Muscle, and Music

The men’s physique superstar has many talents, as well as much devotion to service.

Pro Tips

Navy Seal Ray ‘Cash’ Care Wants You to Be Fit to Serve

At age 50, the lifelong fitness advocate will never apologize for staying in shape.

Pro Tips

Retired Marine Philip Ricardo Jr. Continues Training to Be Service Fit

The personal trainer and bodybuilder encourages others to do the same.

Pro Tips

Kelly Kennedy Is Helping Police Get (and Stay) Law Enforcement Fit

Her work has made a major difference for thousands of cops nationwide.

Pro Tips

Johnnie Jackson Has Been Committed to Military Before Muscle

The bodybuilding legend had quite a career serving his country.

Interviews

The Wounded Warrior Games Are Far More Than a Competition

This annual event has shown that setbacks can be converted into triumphs.

Pro Tips

This Expert Explains the Link Between Physical and Mental Health

Trina Clayeux explains how veterans, survivors, and athletes can improve mentally through exercise.

Pro Tips

This Army veteran has become a bodybuilding jack of all trades

Tony Roberts was a bodybuilder and is now a trainer, contest promoter, and organizer.

Pro Tips

This Expert Explains How Fitness Can Help Promote Post-Traumatic Growth

Ken Falke has helped numerous veterans and families thanks to his foundation and efforts.

Pro Tips

Cherissa Jackson Uses Physical Fitness to Improve Her Mental Fitness

The Air Force veteran feels the two are intertwined.

Pro Tips

Service and Wellness Help Vanessa Hernandez Push Past Limits

The Marine sergeant is also an NPC Wellness and Figure competitor.

Pro Tips

Mark Jones Speaks to the Importance of Fitness for Military Members and ...

Jones’ personal experience serves as an example for others to follow.

Pro Tips

John Edward Heath Continues to Put on an ‘MVP’ Performance Every Day...

Merging Vets and Players is helping assist the former Marine and others with life after service.

Pro Tips

Tim Kennedy Is Always Ready for All Situations

“There’s no way to be mentally tough besides doing hard things.”

Pro Tips

Gabriele Burgholzer Displays Strength in Sport and Service

The pro strongwoman and Army Sergeant placed eighth at this year's Arnold.

Interviews

Melanie Branch Stands Strong Behind Her Husband in Service

The mother, wife, and competitor has forged her fire by overcoming adversity.

Pro Tips

Navy SEAL John MacLaren Continues to Serve His Country in Multiple Ways

His latest mission is to help people work on achieving physical and mental fitness.

Pro Tips

From the Military to Modeling, Faren Aimeé’s Mission is to Keep Survivi...

The Army major and figure competitor has shown strength in spite of adversity.

Pro Tips

Stephanie Gibson Has Taken Her Service to New and Olympia-level Heights

The third place 2021 Figure Olympia Winner shares her journey from the air force to the stage.

Pro Tips

After Nearly Losing His Life, Kionte Storey Found a New Lease On Life

This former Marine has one inspirational "Storey" to share with the world.

Pro Tips

Matt Cable’s Foundation of Fitness Has Given Him New Life, Literally

The Air Force veteran has beaten cancer and death twice, and credits fitness for his life today.

Pro Tips

Joe “Swat” Palumbo Was the Muscular Arm of the Law

The police officer and bodybuilder made a profound difference in both fields.

Pro Tips

Purple Heart Recipient Charles Eggleston Is Teeing off for Physical and ...

The Army veteran has gotten plenty of support from some of golf’s greats.

Pro Tips

Viktoria Grygorian Lives in America, But Her Heart is with Native Ukrain...

The Armed Forces veteran and IFBB Pro is doing her best to make a difference worldwide.

Pro Tips

The 'World’s Strongest Firefighter' Honors Service

This event, won by Phoenix's Daniel Camacho, stole the show at this year’s Arnold Classic.

Pro Tips

Tanya Corbett Has Shown Devotion to Patriotism and the Platform

The recently retired Navy chief petty officer is also a record-setting powerlifter.

Interviews

Ricardo Hamer Has 'Mastered' both Service and Sport

The once “chubby kid” from North Carolina Is both Army National Guard Master Sergeant and IFBB Masters Pro.

Pro Tips

This Navy Veteran May Be Hip-Hop's Go-to Trainer

Now in his 50s, Mark Jenkins is still a high-level performer in business, training, and life.

Pro Tips

Marine Service Has Helped Mike Steadman Thrive In Business

Whether it’s boxing or entrepreneurship, Steadman works to lead and serve.

Pro Tips

India Paulino Has Thrived on Turning Pressure Moments into her Superpowe...

The IFBB Bikini Pro and former police officer has succeeded under stressful moments in both careers.

Pro Tips

Navy SEAL John MacLaren Continues to Serve His Country in Multiple Ways

His latest mission is to help people work on achieving physical and mental fitness.

Interviews

Through Triumph and Tragedy, Katherine Portillo Exemplifies Perseverance...

In spite of unbelievable adversity, the Air Force veteran still makes a positive difference.

Interviews

From Overseas to the Olympia Stage, Logan Franklin Is Ready for Action

Preparation is key for both, says the Army vet and IFBB Classic Physique pro.

Interviews

Julia Waring Sizes Up Her Tale of Two Commitments: Military and Bodybuil...

The Army veteran has made a smooth transition to becoming an IFBB Figure Pro.

Fitness Essentials

What Do the Military Keep in Their Gym Bags? Here's Erik Bartell’s 6 Ess...

The fitness coach schools you on how to fill your your gear bag properly.

News

On Veterans Day, David Henry Reflects on His Service

The former Olympia 202 champion has had amazing careers onstage and in the Air Force.

Workout Routines

Grow Bigger Arms With This High-Volume Superset Routine

This bi’s and tri’s workout is the latest in a series from Chris Kellum.

Success stories

Army Veteran Erik Bartell Has a New Mission: Getting Others Healthy

The VP of Bravo Sierra shares his journey from growing up homeless to becoming a fitness influencer.

Workout Routines

Try this Soldier-Athlete Full-Body Blast Workout from Erik Bartell

Burn fat and building muscle and conditioning with this routine.

Interviews

Roy Evans is a Military Man on a Bodybuilding Mission

The former intelligence specialist has one clear goal on his mind.

Interviews

Onstage or Offshore, Rachelle Cannon Always Exemplifies Excellence

For the Coast Guard vet and IFBB pro, always giving 100 percent is a 24/7 mission.

Workout Routines

This Lower-Body Workout will Leave You Pumped in Under a Half Hour

Trainer Erik Bartell has come up with the ultimate 20-minute legday session.

Interviews

Like Father, Like Daughter, Kami Wilkins Is Following in Her Dad's Foots...

The NPC bikini competitor and Army vet is the daughter of a Marine and bodybuilder.

Interviews

Men's Physique Pro Charjo Grant Makes Training and Service Go Hand in Ha...

The major’s full-time Army career will help him be his best on the Olympia stage.

Workout Routines

Military Monday: Build Your Back With This Posterior Chain Workout

Army SPC Chris Kellum shows you how to help increase your squats and deadlifts.

Interviews

This Marine Stays Committed to Country, Service, and Fitness

Taylor Spadaccino continues to make a difference in others' lives.

Workout Routines

Military Monday: 'Dominate' your delts with this 'Hybrid Warrior' Progra...

Never look at shoulder day the same with this installment from Chris Kellum.

Interviews

Learn How this Air Force Veteran is Working to Fulfill His NFL Dreams

Check out Geremy Satcher's unconventional approach to becoming a running back.

Workout Routines

Military Monday: It’s Chest and Triceps Day — Army Style!

Get your week started the right way with Chris Kellum's brutal workout.

News

Lee and Hunter Labrada Train with Members of Team RWB

The father and son IFBB pros show their respect for America’s Finest.

Interviews

Here's How Ken Corigliano Became a ‘Beast’ at Conquering Challenges

The athlete and Air Force veteran has won numerous grueling athletic competitions.

Workout Routines

Military Monday: Get ‘block’-ed with this full-body workout

Try this ‘Hard to Kill’ strength and conditioning crusher from Aaron Marks.

Workout Routines

Military Monday: Go 'Airborne' with This Murph-inspired Workout

Grab an Echelon performance-energy drink and crush this routine from Erik Bartell.

Workout Routines

Military Monday: No Gear Needed with This 1,000-rep Workout

By the 999th rep, you’ll fall in love with Aaron Marks' lung-busting, calorie-torching challenge.

Workout Routines

Get Bigger, Stronger Pecs with this 'Chest Destruction' Workout

Buckle in, grind, and reap the rewards with this Logan Carpenter regimen.

Workout Routines

Military Monday: We Give You 1,000 Reasons to Love Leg Day

Can you squat, lunge, press, and curl to a thousand? Here's your chance to find out.

Workout Routines

Military Monday: No Gym Required with This Do-Anywhere Workout

If you have 30 minutes, then you have time to build strength and improve conditioning.

Workout Routines

Military Monday: You Gotta Tabata with This Chest and Abs Workout

This fast-paced HIIT workout will get you ready for the beach or pool.

Workout Routines

Military Monday: Get Ready to 'Expand' Your Shirt Sleeves

Try this high-intensity, heavy-volume training combo from Logan Carpenter.

Workout Routines

Military Monday: Time to Get 'Armed' and Dangerous

Biceps and triceps supersets will have you pumped and adding size to your arms.

Workout Routines

Military Monday: Get ‘block’-ed with this full-body workout

Try this ‘Hard to Kill’ strength and conditioning crusher from Aaron Marks.

Workout Routines

Military Monday: Crush This Minimal-Gear Workout

This full-body workout will hit each major muscle group — and hit them hard.

Workout Routines

Military Monday: Advance Your Abs to the Next Level

Ready for a serious ab challenge? Try this workout from Staff Sergeant and Military Police Officer Ed Hawthorne.

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Muscle & Fitness: Fit to Serve